Our Staff

Amy Knight

Owner/Operator

Thanks for checking out the Flour Power Pittsburgh page! I have two beautiful daughters who love to cook (and get messy). I am a retired Naval Officer that served over 20 years on active duty. I have also worked at Veterans Leadership Program, serving other veterans experiencing homelessness. I am a huge dog-lover and probably annoy my Chocolate Lab with obsessive petting and belly rubs. I am a self-proclaimed foodie and I love to try new foods and new textures. It has always been a dream of mine to own a small business. From the moment I discovered Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios and met with the Franchisor, I knew I wanted to be a part of this family and share these great ideas and recipes with others, especially children. There is so much yumminess to be experienced and I am ready to stir up some fun with you!

Frances Fledderman

Instructor

I am a retired Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and have come out of retirement to work with another passion of mine. I love to cook and especially to bake and now mostly bake with my grandkids. I also love to sew, knit, cross stitch and travel.

Ashani Ranathunga

Manager

Hello ! I am Ashani, a Sri Lankan,a mom of two curious kids, calling Pittsburgh home for past 4+ years with my family.My hobbies are reading, watching movies and also trying different foods and document those in my Instagram as a food blogger ! I love learning about other cultures,people and customs and I think food is the perfect medium for that. I believe in the transformative power that, food holds! Its amazing that Flour Power tuned that finely! So happy to be a part of this team and I am doing my best to give Flour Power's unique experience as the night manager!

Jeannie Skwortz

Instructor

I’ve been working directly with the public all my life. I’ve worked in the medical field for 18 years and have learned to respect life. I love spending time with my 5 granddaughters, From 6 to 12, they keep me laughing and learning new things all the time. My joys are cooking, reading, crocheting and playing cards. I am excited to be a part of the Flour Power Pittsburgh Family!

Jaima Schiffer

Weekend Manager

Patrick Elder

Instructor

For the past 20 years, Patrick has worked with disadvantaged communities and individuals in need, covering a variety of areas including medical research, housing assistance, and veteran services. A self-proclaimed foodie, he enjoys trying different cuisines and recipes. Teaching at Flour Power allows him to share his ideas with customers and learn new kitchen skills. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys baseball, crossword puzzles, art, and listening to podcasts. He lives in the city on Mount Washington with his wife Amy and their cat.

Nami Larkin

Manager

I was born and raised in a small town, Belle Vernon, about an hour South of Pittsburgh! I’ve spent most of my working career in the food industry and have always had a deep love for cooking. I grew up around many family members that taught me the importance and power that a good meal has. Food can bring together people from all walks of life, because no matter who you are or where you come from; You gotta eat! Children are our future. Teaching them these essential life skills at our Studio will not only help them on their journey to adulthood and life, but also give them a truly amazing experience that they’ll always remember!

Savanna Rupp

Instructor

Hi! My name is Savanna and I am a High School Student that loves working with kids. I love to see and experience new things. I enjoy the outdoors, especially when the sun is shining. I love to work and have been in the hospitality industry since starting my first job. My teachers always said “she brings joy to our class” and I can’t wait to share that with the Lil Chefs.