LIBERTY'S KITCHEN INTRODUCES FIVE TO TEAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Rebecca Chalin // rchalin@libertyskitchen.org // 504.304.2311

Liberty's Kitchen Introduces Five to Team Experienced Professionals Join Forces to Propel New Orleans Youth Towards Success

New Orleans, (February 29, 2024) – Liberty’s Kitchen, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people through workforce training and wraparound support, announces the expansion of its team with the addition of Dr. Dominique A. Lucien, MSW, LCSW (Program Director) as well as Whitney Myers (Program Coordinator), Chef Tori Nero (Culinary Training Manager), Shenyarai Pellerin, MBA (Program Manager), and Terrence Saulny, M.S. PLPC (Career Readiness Coordinator).

Dr. Dominique A. Lucien, MSW, LCSW, a distinguished Social Worker with an impressive sixteen-year career, leads Liberty’s Kitchen’s growing team as Program Director. Dr. Lucien brings a wealth of experience and expertise in adolescent counseling and advocacy, coupled with an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of young people in New Orleans.

With a Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California and a Master of Social Work degree from Southern University at New Orleans, Dr. Lucien's academic journey is marked by the pursuit of innovative solutions to pressing social issues. This includes her doctoral research, focused on addressing youth gun violence in New Orleans.

Her extensive background in crisis intervention, solution-based interventions, psychosocial assessments, and trauma-informed care, positions her to make a profound impact as she launches a revitalized curriculum for the non-profit’s 12-week Youth Development Program. Liberty’s Kitchen welcomes the pilot cohort to participate in the updated program on February 26th.

In addition to Dr. Lucien, Liberty’s Kitchen welcomes several other key team members:

• Whitney Myers, Program Coordinator, brings a wealth of experience in education and community engagement to her role. Myers' dedication to youth development will help foster a sense of camaraderie among the program’s trainees.

• Chef Tori Nero, Culinary Training Manager, brings expertise in culinary arts and a passion for mentoring aspiring chefs. Nero's leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the culinary aspect of training, guiding students toward success in the hospitality industry.

• Shenyarai Pellerin, MBA, brings a strategic, data-driven mindset as the Program Manager. With a diverse background spanning from the NASA Johnson Space Center to educational institutions, Pellerin's proven track record of driving positive change will be instrumental in advancing Liberty’s Kitchen's mission.

• Terrence Saulny, M.S. PLPC takes on the role of Career Readiness Coordinator, leveraging over 15 years of experience in college and career counseling to equip youth with essential skills for workforce integration.

New staff join Case Manager, Aisha Thomas, RSW, MSW, who has 10+ years of experience in case management including almost four years of service working with youth at Liberty’s Kitchen.

Bernadette Lucas, Executive Director, expresses her confidence in the new team members, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dominique A. Lucien and our esteemed new colleagues. Their collective expertise, passion, and commitment will undoubtedly propel our organization to new heights of success. Our continued growth allows us to make an even greater impact in the lives of young people in our community.”

As Liberty’s Kitchen embarks on this new chapter with a

formidable team at the helm, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in our community.

###