Quiet the Kitchen:
Meditation for Culinary Professionals
with Melanie Underwood
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
12-1 pm Eastern Time via Zoom
Live Online events are complimentary for Dames and only $20 for nonmembers!
Join us for a restorative Live Online session led by Melanie Underwood, culinary professional, educator, and certified meditation teacher. In this calming hour, Melanie will guide a stress-reducing, accessible meditation designed for people who live and work at a fast pace, followed by a practical discussion on integrating mindfulness into everyday life—on the line, in the classroom, and at home.
You’ll learn how to:
- Reset your nervous system in minutes, even during service
- Build simple micro practices for focus, creativity, and calmer decision-making
- Support teams with grounding techniques before events, classes, or service
Who it’s For: Chefs, writers, instructors, and entrepreneurs—anyone seeking less stress and more clarity. Bring a comfortable seat, an optional notebook, and a sense of curiosity. Register now to save your spot and head into the holidays with greater ease and intention.
About Melanie Underwood
Melanie Underwood is a certified educator, mindfulness instructor, and founder of Nourish and Gather, a cooking studio in Westchester, New York. Through her line of conversation napkins and merchandise, she brings connection and conversation back to the table. She is also the co-founder of TART AF, a platform redefining confidence and authenticity for women through workshops and retreats. A cookbook author and former pastry chef, Melanie taught at the Institute of Culinary Education from 1996 to 2020. Her work bridges the culinary arts, mindfulness, and creative entrepreneurship, empowering people to cultivate awareness, confidence, and connection both in and out of the kitchen.
Website
www.nourishandgather.co
Instagram www.instagram.com/chefmelanieunderwood & www.instagram.com/nourishandgather.co
Donations by Dames
Registrations for LDEI's Live Online Program is complimentary, but donations are always welcome and appreciated. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please click the button below.
Logging in to Register
This program is open to both Dames and non-members!
Non-Members, simply click on the registration button below, complete the form, and pay the very affordable $10 fee.
How Dames access free registration for Live Online events: Click the registration link below and sign in as a member. Go to Events and click on Details and Registration for the event you want to attend. Follow the prompts to complete the registration.
How Dames sign in to the Member Center: Your username is the email address you have on file with LDEI. If you don't recall your password, or have never logged in before, click the Reset Password link on the member login page and an email will be sent to you immediately. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder because sometimes the emails end up there. Also, when registering online, an electronic confirmation will be automatically generated for you. Again, be sure to check your junk/spam folder for this email.
