Release miscommunication

Not so much a "problem", as apparently me not knowing how to clarify what I'm trying to tell her. :)

At dinner-time, I start out by using some of her dinner kibble for some sits, downs, and "stay" work. After a minute or so of this, I have her sit a couple feet away from her kennel, tell her to Wait, and put her dish down.

I no longer have to physically block her from the kennel (three days ago I was playing goalie like there was no tomorrow), but we seem to have swung to the other end of the spectrum. I can step away from the front of the kennel, without verbally releasing her, and (good girl!) she keeps waiting. However, she doesn't yet know that "okay!" releases her to go eat.
I'm pairing it with a gesture and additional verbal cues (ie: okay -- go get it!), but it's not quite getting through.
When she finally does move (she'll take a little half-step and then sit again), I'm encouraging her with a quick but not-overenthusiastic (she gets startled if i'm TOO excited) "yes!", but...
I can't for the LIFE of me remember how I trained that release for the other dogs. I'm using the same word for every release scenario (ie: when we're working on Stay, and we're done, I use it when I touch her). Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled she's picked up on this and she's not trying to squirm past me already, but I want to help her get the other half properly and I appear to be spacing out. :)
Any help -- or pointing to the right topic in MSP (I may just be using the wrong keyword) would be most appreciated!

(boy, "miscommunications" has a feeling of deja vu... lol)