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Therese Ellery
Senior Program Officer at Rose Community Foundation
Professional Background
Therese Ellery is a distinguished foundation program officer with a strong focus on grantmaking in the critical sectors of environment, housing, and transportation. With nearly a decade of experience in the aging services field, Therese has dedicated her career to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and pioneering initiatives that reshape societal perspectives on aging. She previously led the Aging program area at the Rose Community Foundation, where she championed numerous projects aimed at advancing services for the elderly, particularly in the metropolitan Denver area.
As a recognized leader in Colorado and nationally, Therese has played an instrumental role in fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, philanthropic institutions, business communities, and government agencies. Her ability to bridge sectors has been pivotal in launching impactful initiatives such as Reframing Aging, Changing the Narrative, Latino Age Wave Colorado, and Boomers Leading Change. These programs not only illuminate the challenges faced by older populations but also work to transform the narrative surrounding aging, promoting a more positive and inclusive view.
Education and Achievements
Therese's educational background reflects her commitment to the fields of psychology and gerontology. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Utah, where she laid the groundwork for her understanding of human behavior and the needs of older adults. Additionally, her specialized training in gerontology at the University of Utah's Rocky Mountain Gerontology Center has equipped her with the knowledge essential to effectively advocate for and implement aging services in her community.
Further enhancing her leadership capabilities, Therese studied at the Institute for Career Advancement Needs through Influence Denver XII, underscoring her dedication to continuous personal and professional development.
Throughout her career, Therese has received several notable accolades that highlight her contributions to the community. She was honored with the Girl Scouts Colorado 2018 Women of Distinction Award, recognizing her impactful work and leadership in promoting services for women and girls in Colorado. Additionally, she received the 2019 Mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion Award from the city of Denver for her exemplary efforts in enhancing inclusivity within the community.
Leadership and Community Engagement
In her previous role as the Director of Program and Community Development at Adult Care Management, Inc., Therese focused on creating a comprehensive housing-counseling program for older adults in collaboration with AARP, showcasing her ability to build partnerships that deliver significant community benefits. Her tenure also included three years of dedicated support for the HIV/AIDS population in metro Denver, where she served on the Ryan White Funds Distribution Committee at the invitation of the Mayor’s Office of HIV/AIDS Resources, further demonstrating her commitment to public health and community service.
Therese's leadership extends into the national arena through her service on the board of Grantmakers in Aging (GIA), where she has chaired the Membership Committee and is actively involved in the Diversity Committee. Her role in GIA underscores her commitment to addressing key issues within the aging sector and advocating for policies that enhance the lives of older adults across the nation.
Core Values and Vision
Therese is deeply committed to ensuring that every voice is heard in the mission to improve services for older adults. Her professional philosophy is rooted in collaboration, engagement, and inclusivity, recognizing that every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable to the greater good. Through her various initiatives, Therese continues to inspire others to join the efforts to create a more supportive and understanding environment for aging populations.
With a track record of inspiring change and developing impactful programs, Therese Ellery stands out as an exemplary leader in her field, dedicated to making a significant difference in the lives of older adults and the communities she serves.