Melanie is a Registered Dietitian and School Nutrition Specialist with a strong foundation in both nutrition and the culinary arts. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition from the University of Delaware and attended the Cambridge School of culinary arts. She is passionate about nutrition education so is currently perusing a Masters Degree in Education and Curriculum Development. Before joining our team, Melanie worked as a School Dietitian for Weston Public Schools for 5 years, owned and operated a successful personal chef business in the Boston area, and has worked as a clinical, outpatient and wellness dietitian. She is passionate about connecting children with food—whether through gardening, trying new fruits and vegetables, or learning where their meals come from. Melanie leads the elementary school dining teams and oversees every aspect of meal service, from menu compliance to staff management. She was born in England, spent part of her childhood in South Africa, and continues to explore the world whenever she can. She enjoys going to concerts, gardening, hiking and singing in her church band.

With over two decades of culinary experience, Chef Rohan brings both skill and passion to his role at Newton North High School, where he has proudly served as a chef for the past seven years. Originally from Jamaica, Rohan’s love for food began early and was nurtured through his training at Madison Park High School, a trade school with a strong focus on the culinary arts. He further developed his skills through the Anthony Spinazola Foundation’s culinary apprentice program at the Boston World Trade Center, where he spent four years. Rohan then spent 20 years to Sebastian Catering at the World Trade Center. Some of Rohan’s responsibilities include ensuring food quality and presentation, ordering food and supplies, training and supervising kitchen staff, and overseeing inventory, equipment care. Inspired by his Jamaican roots, Rohan has a special passion for preparing authentic Jamaican dishes. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his two daughters and relaxing with sci-fi and scary movies.

Nicole is a Registered Dietitian with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Spanish and a Master’s degree in Food and Nutrition Science. A proud graduate of Newton Public Schools and current Newton resident, Nicole is passionate about giving back to the community she calls home. Nicole has spent time living in both Colombia and Spain which enables her to bring a well-rounded, culturally informed perspective. In her role, Nicole plans and leads engaging district-wide programs such as Mood Boost, Discovery Kitchen, Student Choice, Global Eats and Fun Days. She also designs newsletters highlighting these events, which are shared with families through ParentSquare—be sure to check them out to see the exciting activities happening in our schools! Beyond events, Nicole collaborates closely with the Green Team and the City of Newton to advance sustainability initiatives, helping make Newton Public Schools more environmentally friendly. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys skiing, playing tennis, travelling, and spending time with her bernadoodle, Teddy.

Mike has worked at restaurants in New Hampshire for over 13 years, bringing a wealth of cooking experience and passion for great food. At Newton North High School, he oversees the kitchen staff, ensuring that meals not only taste delicious but are also presented with care. Mike takes pride in creating a positive environment for his team, making sure everyone is supported and motivated.When he’s not in the kitchen, Mike enjoys graphic design, golfing, reading, and exploring new technology. His favorite cuisine to cook is Italian, and at home, he has two cats, named Pots and Willow.

Dominique brings over 18 years of experience as a chef at Black Rock Country Club, where she honed her skills and passion for creating flavorful dishes. Originally from Haiti, she has a special love for preparing Haitian cuisine. She holds an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from Massasoit Community College and also runs her own successful catering business outside of work. At Newton South High School, Dominique leads the kitchen team, making sure every dish is both flavorful and beautifully presented. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and uplifting workplace, where staff feel valued. When she isn’t in the kitchen, Dominique enjoys traveling, relaxing with Korean TV shows, and spending time with her two sons.