About
Meet Chef Cynthia Madden
Chef Cynthia Madden, SNS, is the founder of Apex Kitchen RX and a Culinary Institute of America graduate. She is a Certified School Nutrition Specialist and has worked across culinary education, nutrition-focused programming, hospitality, and business operations. Her experience includes serving as Chef Manager of the Menus of Change Kitchen at the Culinary Institute of America and teaching future culinarians and community learners of different ages and experience levels. Cynthia also holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Iona University, a Plant Medicine Certificate from Cornell University, Certification in Postpartum Nutrition & Meal Planning. This combination of culinary knowledge, teaching experience, hospitality, and operational discipline shapes experiences that are creative, thoughtfully organized, and approachable.
Why Apex Began
Apex Kitchen RX grew from Cynthia’s own experience of seeing how food can support confidence, connection, and everyday well-being. Her postpartum healing journey, the realities of working motherhood, and watching her child gain confidence through cooking all reinforced the same belief: preparing food together can brighten a day and create a lasting sense of connection. What began as hands-on culinary education has evolved into intimate culinary experiences for people who want more than a meal. Apex creates space for guests to participate, learn, laugh, and make memories together around food.
what makes the approach different
Chef Cynthia combines professional culinary technique with an educator’s ability to make the kitchen feel accessible. Menus are planned around the group, the location, and the purpose of the gathering. Guests are guided without being talked down to, and participation is structured so everyone has a meaningful role. The result is part cooking class, part shared meal, and entirely centered on connection.
Hudson Valley Connection
Apex Kitchen RX is based in the Hudson Valley and serves Dutchess County and select surrounding communities in Putnam, Ulster, and neighboring areas. Cynthia also collaborates with local venues, farms, retreat properties, hospitality partners, and community organizations to create experiences rooted in the people and places of the region.