Shannon Bullard- Founder
I have been a proud member of the Seymour community for more than two decades and have always been actively involved in volunteering, particularly with the Seymour Ambulance. Working with children is my passion and I am full time Executive Director of Julia Day Nursery in Ansonia. Starting Seymour Food 2 Kids has allowed me to bring together the two things I care deeply about- helping others and being actively involved in my community. No child should ever go hungry, and no parent should have to work- sometimes 2 jobs- and then decide if they will pay for food or to keep a roof over their child’s head. My passion for helping others has also inspired me to instill the value of giving back in my children-Mackenzie and Amaya. Teaching children about caring for others fosters important values such as empathy, kindness, and compassion. It helps them develop a sense of social responsibility and encourages them to become altruistic individuals who make a positive impact in the world. By nurturing these values in children, we are shaping a future generation that is compassionate and understanding towards others. Involving children in activities such as packing food bags for their peers not only teaches them the importance of giving back, but also instills a sense of community and teamwork. It’s a great way for children to understand the impact of their actions and to develop empathy towards their peers who may be in need. I am honored to have started an organization that gives me the opportunity to teach these important values to not only my children, but others in the community. These values are what makes the valley the wonderful place it is and by involving our children from a young age we are ensuring the valley remains great community and to those who decided to take this journey with me and agreed to serve on the board for Seymour Food 2 Kids.
Mackenzie & Amaya Bullard – Co-Founders
We helped fill food bags for kids in other towns and wanted to help kids who live in Seymour who need food too. We think it is important to do kind things for others because it feels good and makes them feel happy. We love to help unpack the boxes and organize things on the shelf. We feel so proud that lots of our friends and family want to help us too. When Mackenzie grows up she wants to be a doctor to help people when they are sick. Amaya wants to be a dentist so she can make sure everyone has clean teeth.
Kelly Dandorph- President
I am proud to say I am a lifelong Seymour resident. I currently work as a Residential Program Manager for a non-profit agency overseeing all aspects of care for individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, so giving back to those in need is already one of my greatest passions in life. When I found out about Seymour Food 2 Kids I knew I had to get involved so I could give back to my own local community as well. Food 2 Kids has given me the unique opportunity to directly impact our youth and inspire those around me to do the same. No child should ever have to worry about their basic needs being met such as when they will get their next meal. Children who go hungry today miss out on the chance to grow, learn, and truly thrive into the adults of tomorrow. Food 2 Kids has given me the opportunity to be a part of something greater than myself, and to know I am making a difference in our community is really special. I have never forgotten learning the Golden Rule in my own childhood days, and it could not be truer in today’s world: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
Jolene Tiano Treasurer
“I have been in the childcare field for over 35 years and have a passion for helping families who are working hard to make ends meet. Having raised 3 children of my own, I know the struggles young families can face. Having been a part of the Seymour Community when my children were growing up, I was actively involved in many Community organizations and know how important it is to reach out and help others. I enjoy volunteering in several food pantries that address food insecurity locally, and I am very excited to be a part of Seymour Food2Kids and to support the mission of kids helping kids. I have personally watched Mackenzie’s idea for helping children at her school grow quickly into a Non-Profit that will provide weekend meals for 40 children in the Seymour Public Schools, and I am happy to take part in supporting all that Seymour Food2Kids stands for.”
Jessica Nunez- Social Media Lead
I was originally drawn to Seymour by the convenience of working at Griffin Health in Derby, I have since established deep roots in the community and proudly call it home while raising a family. Inspired by a personal development podcast’s message to engage with those making a difference locally and a serendipitous text from Shannon, inviting me to join a newly launched program, felt like a divine intervention—a perfect alignment of purpose and opportunity.
As a parent of three daughters who are bungay bees being on the ground level of this project is exciting for the entire family!
Melissa Doty Board Member
I worked in childcare for many years. I decided to change careers and currently work as a Referrals Specialist in primary care for St. Mary’s Hospital. I am very happy there. I love Seymour!! I feel so blessed that my kids have been able to grow and be educated in this wonderful town. My daughter Genevieve is going into 5th grade, my stepdaughter Aliyah is going into 6th grade, and my stepdaughter Kyleigh is starting her freshman year at UConn. I joined the PTA at Bungay in 2019. I currently hold the title of Vice President and Secretary at the middle school. Bungay has done joint PTA events with Chatfield which is a great way to feel connected to more families in our beautiful town. That’s also why my family loves attending events around town throughout the year. Seymour has culture and a beautiful community that I love being a part of.
Amber Moore Board Member
I’ve been a proud resident of Seymour for over a decade, living here with my husband, three children, and our dog. I love our close-knit community, where neighbors know and support one another. When I learned about Seymour Food2Kids, I knew I had to get involved. The mission of “kids feeding kids” really resonates with me, and this experience has already modeled to my children how to be a good citizen, neighbor, and friend. The kid-centric bagging events teach them in an approachable and practical way that not everyone is as fortunate, emphasizing the importance of sharing what we have and thinking of others.
After college, I spent a year volunteering with Passionist Volunteers International outside of Kingston, Jamaica, which inspired me to engage in programs that foster positive change in my community. Early in my career, I worked as a nurse, which deepened my commitment to service and care. I currently serve as the Director of Technology and Philanthropy at a small, family-run business, where I blend my technical expertise with my passion for community service and have helped develop a philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting patients and families traveling for medical purposes. I believe that by combining my skills and passions, I can make a meaningful impact in our community and am honored to help grow the Food2Kids program to achieve that.
Shea Staunton Board Member
While I’ve only lived in Seymour for less than 4 years, I’ve seen how amazing this community is. Currently, I’m a Senior at Seymour High School and plan to pursue architecture in college. Throughout my high school career, I have been involved in 20+ organizations in the community including Seymour Historical Society, The Blessing Pantry, and Seymour Pink. My favorite places to volunteer are those who help the less fortunate. When I discovered Food 2 Kids, I knew I had to help in some way. Junior year I held a concert with some of the talented musicians in Performing Arts. We played music to raise money and food donations for the Blessing Pantry. This is just one example of the work I enjoy doing. I want to help Food 2 Kids as much as possible and hopefully continue something like this wherever I end up in the future.
