Maria (Pinzino) Reed is the new kitchen manager at the Rock Port Senior Center. Maria has been at the center since March 2023, and was recently promoted to the managerial position.

Maria was born and raised in Fairfax, Missouri. She and her husband, Brandon Reed, have four children: Kenneth, 14; Lane, 7; and Wade and Garrett, 5-year-old twins.

“I have always had a passion for cooking and feeding people,” Maria said. “I think my mother, Cheri Jackson of Rock Port, and my grandmother, Lora Lee McLaughlin (deceased) of Fairfax had a whole lot to do with that.”

Maria was employed by Cargill Meat Solutions in Nebraska City for close to 13 years where she was very well versed in safe food handling procedures and quality control and food safety.

Most of the careers she has had throughout her life have been in the food industry from manufacturing to food service to hospitality. She also runs a home bakery, My Maria’s Cupcakes, Cookies, and Candies, and has set up at local events and farmer’s markets over the last two years.

“I really enjoy being the kitchen manager at the Rock Port Senior Center. Serving the seniors has been a wonderful experience. I look forward to staying with the senior center in any capacity over the next couple of decades,” she added. “Don’t forget to come have lunch with us!”