OUR TEAM
Scott Otterness, President
Scott was born and raised in Southern California. He studied Psychology as an undergraduate at UCLA and went on to graduate school at USC where he was awarded with a PhD in Psychology in 2005. His doctoral dissertation involved a phenomenological account of mystical experience. Deeply moved by the spirit and work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Scott became involved as a co-worker with the Missionaries of Charity in 1990. The Bread of Life Mission was founded based on this work.
Brother Bob Theus, Board Member
Originally from Maryland, Brother Bob Theus joined the Missionary Brothers of Charity after being inspired by Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her call to serve “the poorest of the poor.” Over the years, his community has operated shelters for homeless men and teenage boys, a day center for homeless men, and outreach to low-income immigrant families. Today, their primary work is a street ministry—preparing and delivering lunches to encampments and sidewalk communities in downtown Los Angeles. The Brothers’ residence is near the Bread of Life Mission, where Brother Bob serves on the Board and continues his lifelong commitment to direct, compassionate service.
Michelle Otterness, Secretary
Michelle Pesut Otterness is a California-raised educator and nonprofit leader who has served on the Bread of Life Mission Board since 1990 and now acts as Board Secretary. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a teaching credential, and a Master’s in Education with a Reading Specialist certification. In 2017, she earned an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner certificate from the Mount Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda. Former head of the Los Angeles Co-Workers of Mother Teresa, Michelle is married to Scott Otterness and is the mother of three adult daughters. Her extensive travels inform a deep respect for cultural and spiritual diversity.