KELLY HUDDLESTON - FOUNDER
Passionate about cooking, entertaining and teaching, Kelly brings years of culinary experience to The Cookery. Previously, Kelly has worked as a professional cooking instructor for years, and has spanned the globe expanding her knowledge of different types of cuisines.
Destined for the culinary world, it was Kelly’s mother who ignited a passion for cooking in her daughter at a young age. Growing up, Kelly often helped her mom whip up exotic dishes for many dinner parties, including their annual Chinese New Year’s party, Hawaiian luau, and Norwegian feast for the local 4-H club. She credits her love of food, along with her keen understanding of experiencing the unique role cooking plays in different cultures, to her mom.
Ever the student herself, Kelly’s desire to further her knowledge and passion has led her around the globe studying cooking throughout Asia, North America, Europe, the Caribbean and Central America. From making fresh pasta in Italy, to roasting her own pig in Kauai and discovering the unique flavors of Thailand, she possesses a distinct understanding of the world’s most coveted cuisines. Additionally, Kelly’s travels equipped her with culinary skills and techniques bespoke to each destination. Over time, she couldn’t help but find that she was passionate about sharing her experience with others.
Kelly ultimately opened The Cookery as a place where friends and family could come together and make meaningful connections over great conversation and even better food.
KATIE DEAN - MANAGER
Katie has had a love for food and cooking since she was a small child. She grew up baking with one grandmother who was a professional baker, specializing in ornately decorated wedding cakes, and her other grandmother who was a southern comfort and cajun food expert. Plus, her mother, who is an excellent home cook, prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day that was eaten together at the dinner table.
For the last 8 years, she has been working as a touring wardrobe supervisor for broadway shows and as a set costumer for tv shows and films but has always kept her love and passion for food. While traveling for work, she enjoyed trying local food spots and learning about different cuisines.
Since moving back to Texas, she has loved cooking with her boyfriend, Cody, and took a few classes at The Cookery to expand her knowledge and skills in the kitchen. And she loved it so much she decided to become an instructor herself!
BERNADETTE HUDSON - BARTENDER & KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Bernadette is a native New Mexican, and is an alumna of New Mexico State University where she graduated with a BFA degree.
As the oldest of 4 children, with both parents working, she began cooking at an early age. Her mother and grandmother were amazing cooks. Their tamales, tortillas, and green-chili posole were known by all. These two ladies were her teachers and responsible for her love of food and entertaining today.
Bernadette went on to pursue a career in the food industry where she managed, hired and trained the employees for a major restaurant company. She eventually landed in their corporate office taking what she learned in the field to the next level. From here she moved into the hospitality industry, managing the hiring function for a major hotel company and continued to learn about food, entertaining and customer service.
Today, she is enjoying partial retirement while continuing to explore her passion for food by joining the team at the Cookery!
LIZZI PRATHER - KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Lizzi was born and raised in the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina. As the oldest of five kids, she was frequently involved in helping prepare meals for the family. She also enjoyed experimenting with different recipes on her own and teaching her younger siblings creative dishes in the kitchen.
Her love of food evolved into a passion for nutrition! She received her B.S. in dietetics at the University of Tennessee and moved shortly after to the DFW area where she is a dietitian at a local hospital.
When she has the time, Lizzi enjoys trying out a new recipe or making one of her long-time favorites. She looks forward to serving you at your next class at The Cookery!
DANIELLE WATLEY - CLASS INSTRUCTOR
Danielle is a native Texan and current graduate student at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Raised in a home where cereal was the dinnertime staple, Danielle took it upon herself to begin experimenting in the kitchen at an early age.
When she’s not hitting the books, Danielle enjoys spending her time creating feel-good meals for family and friends.
Danielle happily calls Fort Worth home, where she lives with her husband, Brandon, and their two cats.
STEPHANIE AVERY - CLASS INSTRUCTOR AND KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Stephanie was born and raised in Burleson, Texas. She is driven by her passions for cooking, photography, home improvement projects, and traveling. She grew up cooking in the kitchen with her Grandma Corky who taught her all about cooking and baking, and Stephanie considers herself a “forever student”, eager to further her culinary skills.
She loves to talk about her animals (5 dogs, 1 cat, and a bearded dragon), her travels, and really anything else! Steph can’t wait to hear about all your pets, the places you love, and your cooking experiences when you take a class with her at The Cookery!
JOSH YATES - CLASS INSTRUCTOR AND KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Josh was born in the DFW area, but has called Fort Worth home for most of his life. After spending almost a decade in the specialty coffee industry, he found that his love for experimenting with different flavor combinations in beverages holds the same for cooking. Since then, he has always been curious to try new flavors and create original recipes.
As the middle child of 3, Josh found himself cooking early on by helping out his mom with dinner or contributing to holiday meals. His most popular dishes amongst his family are Turkish eggs, poke bowls, and a family favorite, artichoke dip.
In his spare time, Josh enjoys creating and recording music, spending time with friends, and finding new ways to stay active. If you’re looking for recommendations on the best coffee spot in town, be sure to ask him!
