​DCNS was started 6 years ago by Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, American Culinary Federation Certified Chef, Denise L. Chapel.  Denise has a master's in nutrition and Dietetics, a master’s in public health from St. Louis University, Missouri. Denise is a recipient of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Presidential Medallion (2026).

 

Denise has worked on the Supplemental Food Assistant Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infant and Children program (WIC). In addition, she has worked extensively with community groups, physicians, in research, and community health programs. 

 

Denise has also published research on aging and nutrition and served on several boards focused on Dietetics, nutrition and community research and governance.  She provides nutrition education counseling to patients and clients who are interested in managing their diabetes by reaching their optimal health and prescribed nutrition intake goals with regard to their individual food preferences and produce prescriptions.

 

She also works with a team of certified chefs and registered dietitians to deliver community cooking classes that support ACF Chef and the Child program and federal the administration's Make America Healthy Again goals and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 to promote practical cooking skills, nutrition literacy, and meal preparation using minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods, and healthy dietary patterns that support chronic disease prevention.​

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