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Christine Hamann
Director of The Teaching Kitchen Collaborative
Christine Hamann is a prominent figure in the field of public health and food systems, currently serving as the Director of The Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC). She has played a significant role in advancing the mission of TKC, which focuses on utilizing teaching kitchens to enhance personal and public health through education and community engagement. Under her leadership, TKC has grown into a vital network that connects various organizations dedicated to improving health outcomes through food education.125
Background and Education
Christine holds both a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California, Berkeley, where she specialized in health and food systems innovation. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University.5
Professional Experience
Before her tenure at TKC, Christine built extensive experience in healthcare operations and digital health. She managed implementation teams focused on employee wellbeing and health engagement at companies like Castlight Health and Jiff, Inc. Additionally, she was involved in community health initiatives, notably the COPE Project in the Navajo Nation, which aimed at chronic disease management and improving access to healthy food.45
Contributions to Teaching Kitchens
Christine's work with TKC emphasizes the importance of teaching kitchens as a transformative approach to nutrition education. She has been instrumental in establishing partnerships and expanding the collaborative's reach within the healthcare sector. Her advocacy for integrating food as medicine into healthcare practices aligns with her broader goal of promoting equity and justice in food access.135
Current Role
As of May 2023, Christine transitioned from her role as Director at TKC but continues to influence the field through advisory roles and her ongoing commitment to food systems innovation.5 Her contributions have been recognized within various health and academic communities, marking her as a key player in the movement towards healthier food systems and preventive health measures.
