Workshop Title: Building Better Kitchens: Applying Trauma-Informed Practices in Culinary Leadership

Continued Education Hours: 20 hours (16 hours in person, 2 hours virtual)

Why It Matters:

This workshop addresses how stress and trauma affect the way we learn, work, and show up every day - and what we can do about it, for ourselves and others. We will prioritize people-centered leadership strategies and enhance our understanding of ourselves and the people we work with to build better kitchens.

We’ve sourced expert-led sessions by culinary leaders for culinary leaders. Here are the tools you’ll add to your toolkit:

First course — Exploring Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence

What is stress? What is trauma?
- ACES and Icebergs

Trauma-informed & healing-centered approaches— Working our strengths-based leadership muscles

Leading with empathy and confidence

Second course — Creating a Supportive Culture

Invisible culture and the hidden rules of the kitchen
Growth zones - when enough is too much
Doing our PART as leaders
Mental mise en place and self-care
Kitchen brain breaks

Third course — Building Strong Relationships

Your brain is in charge
3 R’s and a HUG to help us emotionally regulate and actively listen
The “H” in HUG asks us not to RESSQ when we’re having difficult conversations
Transactional analysis and how our ego plays into social interactions
A lens of generosity — deploying the H of G

Fourth course — Inspiring Growth and Harvesting Resources

Parallel Process - learning about stress and trauma can be stressful and traumatizing!
Generational trauma and breaking traditional norms
Practice makes… myelin!
Increasing access to industry-centered mental health and wellness resources to lead your teams with compassion and empathy
Resources for chef educators to apply this learning to classroom management and curriculum design

Catalyst Kitchens Staff Lead and Co-Facilitator

Dina Altieri, Director of Education and Training at Catalyst Kitchens

Catalyst Kitchens Collaborative Partner and Co-Facilitator

Nadja Mummery, Founder at Learn to Heal Consulting (former staff at Model Member, Manna on Main Street)

About You, the Workshop Participant

Workshop participants are professionals with abundant lived experience. They currently work in foodservice training programs, workforce development, social services, social enterprise FOH and BOH roles, non-profit leadership, and as industry professionals. Participants at all levels of expertise are encouraged to join this learning community, which shares a common goal of promoting professional development in teaching, training, and learning.

Professionals include:

Chefs—Instructors, Managers, Trainers, Industry Chefs
Life Skills and Job Readiness Instructors
Workforce Development Specialists
Training Program and Social Enterprise Support Staff
Leaders from Catalyst Kitchens Employer Partners

Three Main Goals

Catalyst Kitchens commits to meeting these three main goals:

Promote professional growth for the champions who educate and support people working in kitchens.
Provide opportunities for professionals to connect, collaborate, share best practices, and support one another.
Create a lasting Community of Practice built upon unified values that can be shared with colleagues and peers—ultimately benefiting the individuals we serve and the industry we love.

Sign up today!

Notes on pricing:

Members – be sure you have the latest discount code for event registration. It is available on the Catalyst Kitchens website here.

Also for members only:

The 2026 Travel Stipend Request Form is now active! Click here to get started.

These travel stipends are available thanks to the generous support of the Itzkowich Family Foundation, who have given $20,000 in support the Train the Trainer and other events in our 2026 Workshop series.

Non-members – part of your registration fees can be used to count towards future membership dues. Reach out to the Catalyst Kitchens team today to find out more.

We have a hotel partner for this event. If you are attending, please book here to stay nearby for a great price - https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=ORDMDHF&arrivalDate=2026-05-11&departureDate=2026-05-18&groupCode=92O&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink

Contact the host of Catalyst Kitchens Building Better Kitchens Workshop - Chicago, IL

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