Expert Village Spotlight: Jennifer Calder
- By Stephanie Fornaro
- April 30, 2026
At Hello Nanny!, we know that raising a family takes more than love—it takes a village. That’s why we’ve built ours: Hello Nanny!’s Expert Village.
This curated network of trusted professionals—spanning child development, family wellness, mental health, education, and more—exists to help parents and caregivers navigate the complexities of modern family life with confidence.
We’re thrilled to spotlight our community of experts, sharing their story, their work, and the insights that inspire them. Because behind every great caregiver or parent is a team of people who make the journey a little easier. And, we’re here to make sure you never walk it alone.
We recently chatted with Jennifer Calder, a culinary professional with over 12 years of experience. As the founder of The Calder Table, Jennifer brings a refined, globally inspired approach to private dining. Her work is rooted in seasonality, precision, and a deep understanding of hospitality, shaped by years of cooking across a wide range of cuisines and cultural traditions.
Name and occupation:
Jennifer Calder, Private Chef and Founder of The Calder Table.
Tell us about your company/current role:
I’m a private chef and culinary entrepreneur based in the San Francisco Bay Area, creating elevated, personalized dining experiences for private clients and events. I specialize in globally inspired, seasonal menus tailored to each client’s lifestyle, managing everything from concept to execution. My focus is on delivering refined, seamless food experiences that feel both intentional and deeply personal.
Go-to coffee (or tea) order:
Cortado—Clean, balanced, and no fuss.
Do you have any family traditions?
Food has always been at the center of my family traditions. From gathering in the kitchen, sharing recipes, and turning meals into moments. It’s where I first learned that cooking isn’t just about the food, it’s about connection, culture, and creating something meaningful to share with others.
What is a common piece of advice you disagree with?
“Fake it till you make it.” I’d rather believe in learning it, building it, and growing into it for real. Confidence is great, but substance lasts longer.
3 things you never leave the house without:
Cell phone, sunglasses, and a sense of curiosity because inspiration can strike anywhere.
What does your support system look like?
My support system is a blend of friends, family, and a trusted network of chefs and assistants I can rely on for events. I also lean on strong relationships with local vendors, along with streamlined systems for menu planning and client communication.
It’s the combination of the right people and the right processes that allows me to consistently deliver a seamless, high-level experience.
Last thing you did solely for yourself:
I traveled to Montana and spent time sitting in the mountains, completely unplugged, taking in the stillness, the air, and the landscape. No schedule and no distractions. I took a moment to reset, reflect, and reconnect with myself outside of the pace of work.
Interested in joining our curated network of trusted professionals who share practical, evidence-based advice with our national community of parents and caregivers? When you join, you’ll be part of a collective of thought leaders whose expertise spans pediatric care, child development, lactation support, mental health, sleep consulting, career coaching, safety advocacy, and more.
For more Expert Village Spotlights check out the below:
Angela Tait, Founder of Tait Consulting
Barbara Palmer, Top Broad at BroadPerspectiveConsulting and founder and coach, Your 4th Trimester
Kat Neill, Owner of CPR with Kat
Certified Parenting Coach Keesha Scott
Postpartum Doula Ashley Gerhard
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