Our Team

Marissa Nuez | Executive Director and C.A.R.E. Coordinator

When families are navigating a hard season, whether it be financial strain, transition or loss, access to nourishing food should never be an added burden. Food is more than sustenance; it’s dignity, stability and care.

My family has lived in Bandon for 10 years. My favorite part of Bandon is the strong sense of community, how people from all walks of life come together, united by a shared purpose to serve something bigger than themselves.
Some of my favorite hobbies include hanging out with my three sons, painting, catching the beautiful Bandon sunsets, traveling and learning about culture through their cuisines.
Sheila Howe | Board Chair

Background. I have been a Mental Health Professional for 43 years, licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist with expertise in systems theory, trauma specialist (EMDR), spiritual direction, and integrative mental health care. I have taught graduate and undergraduate level classes, organized retreats, seminars, workshops, and in-service trainings. I have been on boards for 36 years and have created and developed smaller non-profits. I assisted in co-founding and co-creating Bandon Food and Flourish, formerly Food and Faith. Currently, I am the Board Chair.

Why is Food Assistance Important to me? I have been in the suffering business for a long time and the awareness and encountering of hungry and malnourished individuals, families and children is a suffering that I feel called to care for and develop programming and policies to abolish. No one in our community should go hungry. Assisting in the creation of a community safety net and mobilizing our community to give is a gift that keeps on giving.

I have lived in Bandon since 2017. I love the community, the connections, and the heart of Bandon. Folks here care and want to help. I have been astounded by this discovery and feel humbled by the love of neighbor. I feel so grateful to be part of this beautiful discovery and transformative experiment.

Judy Jackson | Secretary and Garden Chair

While living in Portland, I focused on art making, on art teaching and then on the business of art presentation. Now, I focus on the art of gardening in this coastal climate.

I love organization and to scratch this itch I hold the job of Food and Flourish’s Secretary/Recorder. I also manage the local gardener-grown produce that’s donated to Free Fridays.

It’s a privilege to draft off of the energy and compassion of this amazing team. We aim to help our neighbors thrive, not only through food, but also by building a caring community.

Holly Von Damm | Treasurer and Hospitality Chair
Cheryl Pease | Free Friday Operations Chair

As the warehouse manager I bring my background in logistics to the table and thrive when working with our team of loving, compassionate people that have hearts for serving others. 

I know what food insecurity feels like so I feel I have a personal connection to those in that same situation.

I’ve lived in Bandon for over 25 years and love our small town coastal community.

Most sunny days you’ll find me in my garden or canning and preserving my harvest.

Tina Peterson | Food Acquisition, Safety, and Shopping Coordination Chair

When families are navigating a hard season, whether it be financial strain, transition or loss, access to nourishing food should never be an added burden. Food is more than sustenance; it’s dignity, stability and care.

My family has lived in Bandon for 10 years. My favorite part of Bandon is the strong sense of community, how people from all walks of life come together, united by a shared purpose to serve something bigger than themselves.
Some of my favorite hobbies include hanging out with my three sons, painting, catching the beautiful Bandon sunsets, traveling and learning about culture through their cuisines.
Amy Moss Strong | Marketing and Print, and Media Chair
Carrie Foster | Youth Support and Assistance Chair

s a single mom of two children, I aim to be an advocate for the younger members of our community. The weekend snack pack program “Project Full Hearts” has been my main focus as the Youth Support Committee Chair. We aim to provide nourishment for students, while also showing them the care and compassion of our community. 

I have lived in Bandon for 20 years and am still in awe of the willingness of our community to help each other anytime a need arises.

Most of my free time is spent with my children at the beach or river, looking for treasures!

Becca Dickinson | Volunteer Coordination and Development Chair
Laurie Bowman | Operations Support and Food Consultant Chairu
My name is Laurie Bowman.
I am happily  married and have 9 kids.
I came  from a very dysfunctional family. There were times when we didn’t even have a house BUT we always had food.
That was the one thing that made me feel stable and ok. My hope is that by giving food to  others it may give them some of that safe and stable feeling.   I’ve always had a desire to help others. That is why I am the director of another non profit pantry and on the board of food and flourish is so I can help.