We believe that
everyone is able.
About Tablespoons Bakery
Who we are
Tablespoons Bakery is a vocational culinary training program through the non-profit Next Move Program, that provides internship experiences and employment opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities. Launched in 2017 with the support of the Virginia Department of Education and professional baker Britt Falabella, our baking program serves about 50 young adults annually and strives to combat the 70% unemployment rate for their group in the state of Virginia.
What we do
We empower students with diverse abilities to achieve their employment goals through professional training experiences in the culinary arts and entrepreneurship. Interns in our baking program learn critical work and independent living skills while assisting in all parts of the bakery business—from measuring ingredients in the kitchen to making change for customers. And the best part? They get to do it all while making friends and having fun.
Why we do it
We bake to make a difference. To teach our students that they are capable. To help them build confidence in themselves and others. To give them the opportunity to learn important skills that lead to independence. To show them that their differences are beautiful and that they have everything it takes to succeed. We bake to make a difference because we believe that everyone is able.
Our Bakery & Cafe
Opened in November 2021
Located in the former parsonage house of Westover Hills United Methodist Church, our brick and mortar bakery will serve as a training and employment site for our students—plus a community cafe! Swing by when you’re in the neighborhood and enjoy:
A sweet menu of baked goods, coffee, tea and more!
Free wifi
Our screened-in porch and outdoor courtyard
Onsite parking and bus line access
The Tot Lot playground for kids
A community space for events and workshops
Easy access to Forest Hill Park and the James River Park system
We can’t wait to welcome you to our table!
Our Tablespoons Team
Elizabeth Redford
Founder, Tablespoons Bakery
One of the nonprofit’s Co-Founders and the fearless Executive Director of all things Next Move (the larger npo that Tablespoons is part of), Elizabeth has worked in the field of Special Education for the last 14 years—starting her career in a traditional classroom until jumping into the field of transition in 2012. She has a B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University and an M.A. Ed. in Special Education from The College of William and Mary. She launched Tablespoons Bakery to serve as a job training and supported employment program in 2017.
A speaker, consultant, advocate, and curriculum developer, Elizabeth has been awarded the following accolades:
-2017 Change Agent of the Year by Chamber RVA
-2018 Top 40 Under 40 list by Style Weekly
-2019 Distinguished Young Alumna by St. Catherine’s School
-2020 and 2022 Bold Women of Richmond Lists by Richmond Magazine
-2023 RVA Power Women Award in the category of Higher Education
-2024 Richmond Hometown Hero List
When she’s not busy managing all things Tablespoons, Elizabeth enjoys kayaking, antiquing, and walking her adorable Pit Bull, Violet. She lives with her family in Forest Hill, very close to the Bakery.
Britt Falabella
Pastry Chef and Advisor
A lawyer by trade and owner of Sugar Britches Sweets & Treats, Britt is our masterful pastry chef and baker extraordinaire. Britt played a huge role in the start of Tablespoons, making our program possible by donating recipes and kitchen space. Today, she serves as our baking consultant—developing new recipes, answering all of our baking questions, and volunteering with our students in the kitchen. When she’s not whipping up a sweet treat, Britt also enjoys volunteering with the Special Olympics.
Brianne Bannister
Lead Site Educator, Tablespoons Bakery
Brianne received her M.A. Ed in Special Education from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She has over 7 years of experience working as a special education teacher, administrator, and job coach. Vocational skills training for individuals with disabilities has always been one of Brianne's passions. She also enjoys advocacy and education efforts that aim to make the world a more accessible place for the disability community.
Brianne lives south of the James with her husband and two cats. In her free time, she loves to bake treats for others, host gatherings, and volunteer in her community. She also enjoys getting out on her paddle board, hiking mountain trails, and traveling to new destinations.
Rachel Plummer
General Manager Tablespoons Bakery
Rachel originally came onto our team as a Job Coach in 2021, and in May of 2023 she joined our team full-time as the General Manager. Graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2023 with a B.S. in Psychology, a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, and a certificate in Disability Studies, Rachel has always been passionate about advocacy efforts for minoritized groups.
Rachel lives with her partner and cat in the Museum District. When she’s not baking in the kitchen or managing things around the bakery, she enjoys reading, going to local markets, and spending time outside with friends.
Shelley Lantz
Baker
A longtime supporter, volunteer and friend of the Next Move Program, Shelley officially joined our team in 2018 as Tablespoon’s awesome operations assistant and now is a Baker. When she’s not making everyone smile from behind the sales counter with her spunk and dance moves, Shelley enjoys baking, swimming, and participating in SPARC, Special Olympics and Best Buddies. She is also the adoring aunt to four nieces.
Christopher Brennan
Baker & Lead Mentor
One of the first graduates of the Next Move Program and a loyal Tablespoons volunteer from the program’s start, Christopher officially joined the team as a baker in 2020. A 2014 graduate of Northstar Academy, Christopher’s hard work and dedication show in more than just his baking—he’s also an accomplished landscaper, rock climber, and outdoorsman. When he’s not perfecting his baking skills or staying active outdoors, Christopher enjoys watching action movies, playing video games, and participating as an athlete in the Special Olympics.
Cheyenne Jones
Baker
An alumna of the Next Move Program, Cheyenne has been a proud part of the Tablespoons program since 2017 and officially joined our team as a baker in 2020. A graduate of James River High School and Project Search, Cheyenne holds the title of runner-up in the 2019 Miss Hanover Abilities pageant and 1st place winner of our Inaugural Great RVA Bake-Off. When she’s not baking cookies or rockin’ it as our top cashier, Cheyenne enjoys watching YouTube videos, shopping and playing video games.
Kemani Turton-Jones
Baker
Kemani is a two-time graduate of our Next Move Program externship experience and is an original member of the Baking Program since its 2017 inception. Kemani helped make our South of the James Farmer's Market stand a huge success with his natural affinity for salesmanship and excellent customer service skills. When he’s not behind the sales counter or enjoying an OCP, Kemani also loves blog, ride the GRTC bus, and enjoy some of his favorite Disney movies.
Haley Golden
Baker
Another long-term member of our Baking Program, Haley is also an Alumna of The Next Move Program's community externship program. Her favorite part of being on the Tablespoons Team is packaging our cookies for customers, including our signature Baker stickers and personalized notes. When she’s not working with the Cookie Crew, Haley enjoys horseback riding, swimming, and spending time with her roommate and friends.
