We are pleased to welcome our newest members to the Board of Directors. You can learn more about them below:

Aida Van Herk, MSN, Esq.

How did you first learn about Mama’s Kitchen?

I first learned about Mama’s Kitchen through my work as a registered nurse and first started with the organization as a volunteer, bundling and delivering meals!

What motivated you to get involved with Mama’s Kitchen and join the board?

I recognize that food and nutrition play a critical role in improving health outcomes and quality of life, particularly for those with critical illnesses. I am committed to Mama’s Kitchen’s mission and desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals who are facing serious health challenges.

What is your favorite healthy recipe to make and why?

Probably Israeli salad – it is super simple, refreshing, and delicious!

What is your favorite recipe to cook?

Braised chicken with olives and citrus or veggie chili.

Dr. Christian Ramers

How did you first learn about Mama’s Kitchen?

I learned about Mama’s Kitchen early after I arrived in San Diego in 2012 as one of the pillars of community support for people living with HIV/AIDS. I had known from my training and awareness of the history of HIV in the US of the critical importance of community-based organizations in supporting those affected. Plus, several patients I inherited from our retiring HIV providers were already established Mama’s Kitchen clients and repeatedly would sing the praises of their ‘lifeline’ of home-delivered fresh, healthy meals to sustain them and keep them healthy.

What motivated you to get involved with Mama’s Kitchen and join the board?

I have seen the profound impact that nutrition can have on individuals facing serious health challenges, whether it be HIV/AIDS, Cancer or another serious condition. Mama’s Kitchen distinguishes itself by not only providing medically-tailored meals, but also by doing it in a compassionate and sensitive way that makes people feel seen and connected in ways that are so critical for many facing difficult circumstances.

What is your favorite healthy recipe to make and why?

Now that it is summer and my garden boxes are producing bountifully, my favorite pre-dinner snack is a quick Caprese with freshly picked aromatic basil, home-grown heirloom tomato, and fresh mozzarella. So simple that it lets the basic ingredients shine, and looks like a vibrant Italian flag!  I am a self-proclaimed aficionado of the wide variety of artisan balsamic vinegars at my local market.

What is your favorite recipe to cook?

This year, I took advantage of an incentive offer for home-delivered Alaskan wild-caught salmon every month. It has been fun to prepare it a number of different ways: broiled, baked, grilled, air-fried, and even raw as poke! And with various iterations of miso-maple, honey-sriracha, teriyaki, dry herbal rub, or just fresh lemon.

 

Denise Foster

How did you first learn about Mama’s Kitchen?
I first learned about Mama’s Kitchen through two Board Members, Jen Tuteur and April Heinz.

What motivated you to get involved with Mama’s Kitchen and join the board?
When I retired, as someone who worked in public service (military and healthcare), I wanted to do something meaningful. I first learned about volunteer delivery driver opportunities from April, and later about the board opportunity to contribute on a broader level.

What is your favorite healthy recipe to make and why?
My favorite healthy recipe to make is spinach lasagna, which can be made vegan, but I prefer it with cheese!

What is your favorite recipe to cook?
I love Italian cooking, and my new favorite is chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach Alfredo sauce.