Our Team
Dr. 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, Bob came to join the Missionary Brothers of Charity because he was inspired by Mother Teresa of Calcutta and wanted to join in her ministries of service to the poorest of the poor. Over the years, the Brothers have had shelters for homeless men and teenage boys, a day center for homeless men, and work with poor immigrant families. Currently, our main ministry is a street ministry of preparing and delivering lunches to places in downtown Los Angeles where homeless people have their tents or shelters. The Brothers’ present location is near the Bread of Life Mission.
Michelle Pesut Otterness, Secretary
Michelle Pesut Otterness has spent the majority of her life living in various parts of California. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo in Liberal Studies. She earned a teaching credential and her Master’s Degree in Education with a Reading Specialist Certification. Michelle is married to Scott Otterness and has been a Board Member of the Bread of Life Mission since 1990. Michelle was head of the Co-Workers of Mother Teresa in 1990 for the Los Angeles area. Michelle and Scott have three adult daughters. Michelle has traveled extensively around the world and has a deep appreciation for cultural and spiritual diversity. Michelle received an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner Certificate from Mount Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda in 2017. She currently serves on the Bread of Life Mission Board as Secretary and considers it an honor to be part of an organization founded on giving and serving the community locally and globally.