Who we are

Happy Place Cooking Space is an accessible teaching kitchen designed for all ages and abilities, coming soon to Cedarburg, WI. At Happy Place, everyone will have the opportunity to learn at their own pace in a supportive environment with adaptive tools and equipment.

Our Vision

A world where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can explore their full potential and find community.

Our Mission

To foster happiness by sharing the joys of cooking and eating together, teach skills that build independence and inspire creativity, and create an environment of belonging where everyone is included, and where everyone can have a positive experience in the kitchen.

our founders 

In 2022, Lauren O’Brien and Sally Wagner began teaching cooking classes for kids, as the small business More Happy Kitchens, LLC. In time, programming quickly expanded to include classes for adults with special needs.

Through cooking in many kitchens from 2022-2024, it became clear that a specific type of teaching kitchen was needed to better serve children and adults with special needs, and anyone who needs adaptive tools and equipment to feel successful. There is also a need for community supported programming for individuals on fixed incomes, such as adults with special needs - because everyone deserves a chance to learn to cook.

More Happy Kitchens has found a home at Happy Place Cooking Space and all programming will now operate out of this kitchen. The focus will still be the same: teaching essential life skills and creating a space where everyone can have a positive experience in the kitchen.

Board of Directors

  • Andrea Acosta

    Owner, That Taco Guy

  • Emily Matthews-Barr

    Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, Kohls Corporate

  • Lauren O'Brien

    Co- Founder of Happy Place Cooking Space

  • Mary Steinbrenner

    Senior Assistant General Counsel - Commercial & International , A. O. Smith Corporation

  • Sally Wagner

    Co-Founder of Happy Place Cooking Space

Your support means everything.