Bread for Life Staff
Soncerae “Missy” Cipriano has woven herself into the fabric of Southington for over 20 years, embodying the spirit of community service. A loving wife and devoted mother of two, Missy’s journey began with dedicated volunteerism, laying the groundwork for her profound impact. For eight years as Director of Operations at Southington Bread for Life she masterfully managed the organization’s multifaceted operations, including the soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels, client intake and management, grant writing, and fundraising. Her leadership in volunteer coordination ensured seamless service delivery.
In January 2025 Missy assumed the role of Executive Director at Bread for Life. She leads a team of dedicated staff and volunteers and works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure the mission, vision, and core values of the organization remain strong, vibrant, and relevant to the ongoing needs of those in the community.
Missy was elected to the Southington Board of Education where she served for one term. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the board of directors for Southington library and Barnes Museum, Chairperson of the Barnes Museum committee, and is a member of the Southington Elderly committee, Activate Southington, and Karen Smith Academy PTO. Missy also currently serves on the Board of Directors of Ur Community Cares and DEI Committee for Alzheimer’s Association of CT, as well as an Alzheimer’s educator. Missy has been appointed by Governor Lamont as a Selective Service Committee member for the state of CT.
Her work at Bread for Life centers on building strong community relationships and providing comprehensive client support and developing programs to empower and uplift those facing hardship. Missy is driven by a simple yet powerful desire: to embody the change she wishes to see in the world.
Jimmy Russo graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2008 with a B.A. in Psychology and is a licensed Realtor in the state of Connecticut. He joined the Bread for Life team in January 2023 and considers it a privilege to work alongside a group of selfless, enthusiastic, and hardworking individuals.
Jimmy has over 23 years of experience working with children as a gymnastics coach, with 18 of those years spent serving the Southington community. His deep belief in the mission of serving those in need fuels his dedication to Bread for Life. Being part of an organization, whose values so closely align with his own is not only an honor.
My journey began alongside Missy Cipriano at the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA. When Missy transitioned to Bread for Life, she invited me to help expand their Family Feeding Friends volunteer program.
Now, with my daughter away at college, I’ve been presented with a new opportunity at Bread for Life, where I am focusing on donor relations among other responsibilities. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and excited to be part of such a vital organization. I look forward to collaborating with dedicated individuals and meeting new people in the months ahead.
Aubrey Quinlan, our Volunteer & Events Coordinator, has been a volunteer at Bread for Life for the past ten years. She previously served as the Youth Volunteer Coordinator, planning events for our Families Feeding Friends and Kids Who Care programs. In her current role, Aubrey has helped to plan programming for our Summer Lunch Program, streamlined volunteer sign-ups for various opportunities, and assisted in our communications and event promotions.
During the school year, Aubrey works as a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing. She provides services for children with hearing loss, as well as professional development for educational staff. Aubrey lives in Southington with her husband and two sons.
I joined the Bread for Life team in December 2024 as the office administrator after almost 10 years as a stay at home, foster, and homeschooling mom. I handle office correspondence, ensure that administrative supplies and files are stocked and organized for easy use by staff, and make certain that all callers and visitors are greeted and assisted warmly. I’m passionate about making a difference in this community and I’m thrilled to be a part of the vision that no one goes hungry.
Originally from North Carolina, Shawn Quinlan has lived in Southington for the past 10 years. Shawn has over thirteen years of experience managing retail stores. Shawn and his family began volunteering for Bread for Life when they moved to Southington, and he is excited to take on the role of Warehouse Manager. In his free time, Shawn enjoys spending time with his two boys, drawing, and playing golf.
With over 46 years of experience in property management, Big Jim Russo brings a strong work ethic, leadership, and a deep heart for service to his role as Kitchen Manager and Cook at Bread for Life. After decades in a different industry, Jim followed his passion for cooking and discovered a renewed purpose in serving others through food. Whether preparing meals or maintaining an efficient kitchen, Jim approaches every task with care, dedication, and compassion. His commitment to feeding and supporting the Southington community is evident in every dish he prepares and every smile he shares with those he works with and those he serves
After being a stay-at-home mom for 18 years, I decided to re-enter the workforce. In April of 2025, I began working part-time at Bread for Life, stepping into the role of Dining Room Manager. In my capacity as Dining Room manager, I oversee the staff and volunteers by delegating responsibilities and ensuring that operations run smoothly for the homebound delivery meals and in-house lunch service. Additionally, I play an essential role in cultivating a positive and respectful atmosphere for our staff, volunteers, and guests. I take great pride in not only providing meals to many members of our Southington community but also in empowering the people of Southington to reach their full potential. It is a true honor to be part of Bread for Life, and I am committed to upholding our mission statement.
I started volunteering at Bread for Life in April of 2022. Initially, I started as a person who delivers lunches to those who cannot come to the facility. Since then, I’ve been able to assist in picking up donations made to Bread for Life, deliveries to Food Share, Food Bank, and Southington Community Services. I am also currently preparing and serving the Wednesday night in-house dinners. I enjoy working with such an amazing group of Bread for Life staff members and am thrilled to get to know and support their clients.
My name is Cody Lord. I joined Bread for Life in March of 2024, and I am privileged to continue my role as Garden Director for the 2025 season. With the magnanimous support of our generous donors and volunteers, Bread for Life enjoyed an exceedingly fruitful and especially bounteous 2024 harvest season. I have the utmost confidence that with the support of our community, Bread for Life will continue to prosper and grow as an organization, playing a vital and ever-developing role in combating food insecurity within the town of Southington. This season, I have stepped into the role of Social Enterprise Support Staff, helping with the Southington Honey Company as they continue to grow in the selling of honey and small batch products produced with honey.