OUR TEAM

Chief Executive Officer

Dennis Bagneris

Dennis brings over 15 years of program management experience to Liberty’s Kitchen, where he’s held leadership roles since 2011. Prior to becoming our CEO, Dennis was our Youth Development and Leadership Program Director where he ensured our programs had a youth-centered voice. As CEO, Dennis makes sure we’re adhering to our organizational values and are moving forward in line with our vision for the future.

Chief Finance Officer

Bernadette Lucas

Bernadette has been in finance for over 20 years and at Liberty’s Kitchen since early 2018. A New Orleans native, Bernadette connects with the mission of Liberty’s Kitchen and is here to serve some of the city’s most marginalized youth. Prior to her time at Liberty’s Kitchen, she served as board chair for Common Ground Health Clinic for four years.

Director of Programs

Reginald Coleman

Development Director

Michelle Mathew

Michelle ensures we’re telling our story the best we can. Her many hats include communications and fundraising campaigns, donor relations, and special events. Before she moved to development, she was our Pastry Instructor, and if she’s not at her desk, she’s probably teaching a cycling class, at a concert, or baking scones.

Youth Resource Coordinator

Aisha Thomas RSW, MSW

Aisha is a graduate of Southern University at New Orleans, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2006 and a Master’s Degree in 2011. Aisha has ten plus years  experience  in Case Management services with youth and families. Aisha’s  main goal is to eliminate barriers for every young person at Liberty’s Kitchen so that they can be successful not only  in the program but in their  lives.  Aisha’s hobbies include reading and writing poetry.

Culinary Instructor

De Borah Wells

Chef De is an instructor, volunteer chef, community program director and private chef. The retired sports executive is a former pastry, garde manger and back line cook for Commander’s Palace as well as the attending chef for Community Table to Go which provides 600 meals weekly in Central City. Since the age of four, the kitchen has been her “happy place”, and family meals at home became her household chore at age nine. She is a member of the American Culinary Federation, has taught culinary lessons at several camps, schools, girl scout meets and private events throughout New Orleans, and is thrilled to call Liberty’s Kitchen home.