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.
Monica White, Board Member
Monica White has been a lifelong co-worker of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. For her day job she currently works in patient support services, helping patients and providers navigate barriers to essential medical treatment. With 36 years of dedication to a family-run business and the lifelong role of raising three compassionate children, she values resilience, gratitude, and faith. Monica also serves as a Eucharistic Minister, bringing Communion to the sick, where the wisdom of the elderly reminds her of what matters most—God, love, and the memories we share.
Chelsea Otterness, Board Member
Chelsea Otterness brings a global perspective and a deep love for cross-cultural connection to the Bread of Life Mission. A lifelong traveler, she has spent extensive time in China and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. She graduated with honors from UCLA with a degree in Global Studies, where she focused on international cultures and global systems.
Chelsea currently serves as Director of Performing Arts and teacher of creative expression at a private school in Santa Cruz, California. Through her work in the arts and education, she is passionate about nurturing creativity, empathy, and confidence in young people—values that closely align with the mission and spirit of the Bread of Life Mission.
Roger Alvarado, Treasurer
Roger Alvarado is a native of El Salvador and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his role as Treasurer of the Bread of Life Mission. He currently works in the tech industry as a computer analyst, and his extensive background in business enables him to offer valuable guidance in budgeting, financial planning, and fundraising.
Having lived in inner-city Los Angeles as an immigrant, Roger offers a unique and nuanced perspective on immigration and cross-cultural communication. His insight is especially important as the Bread of Life Mission deepens its partnership with the community of Santiago Chimaltenango, helping to ensure that our projects are both effective and culturally responsive.
Paul Stukan, Board Member
Paul Stukan was born and raised in Southern California and has been closely connected to the work of the Bread of Life Mission since its early days. He earned his degree in Communication Studies from UCLA and has traveled extensively throughout Latin America, deepening his appreciation for diverse cultures and social realities.
As an original board member, Paul brings decades of experience in inner-city Los Angeles through his work in real estate. His knowledge of the local community, housing dynamics, and neighborhood change provides the Board with valuable insight as Bread of Life Mission continues to serve vulnerable populations and engage thoughtfully with issues of place, dignity, and belonging.