“ Community isn ' t something you can put your fi nger on . It ' s carried in our hearts .”

TK & Associates , Non-profit Executive Management and Training

case it can . In 1999 she was happily living her life surrounded by family in her hometown near the shores of Keuka Lake , New York . Husband Will had long desired a move to California . As he embarked on a short west coast business trip , Theresa thought she ’ d end the discussion once and for all . “ Find a better paying job , a nice home , and cover every expense to move , and I ’ ll do it !” She dared . Much to her surprise — and within a few days — he called her bluff .

We should thank Will , her husband of 35 years , for his determination . Moving to Hollister , Theresa jumped right in . Library trips with daughter Hallie led to her first volunteer role with the library ’ s literacy program , and eventually the Adult Literacy Program coordinator position for San Benito County . She joined the local Rotary club — helping her gain more perspective on working with volunteers in the professional sector . She became the executive director for the San Benito Chamber of Commerce and helped launch San Benito ’ s Leadership program .

The family ’ s move to Morgan Hill in 2001 proved fruitful for South County . Again , Theresa jumped in , serving as the Morgan Hill Downtown Association ’ s executive director for three years . She launched TK & Associates , a boutique consulting firm focusing on non-profit organizations , including Leadership Gilroy . She served as program facilitator for Leadership Morgan Hill for six years . She is past president , campaign chair and board chair for Morgan Hill Rotary . She is an advocate for Mt . Madonna YMCA and Community Solutions — two organizations close to her heart . “ Helping these organizations make me feel good as a human being ” she says .

Theresa is optimistic about the future and continues to serve . She is inspired by her children — daughter Hallie is an Intellectual Property attorney , and son Billy is a tradesman . She admires her fellow Rotarians and co-volunteers , whom she considers friends . She hopes to encourage people facing challenges by reminding them that people care , and those who can help will . Fellow Rotarian Lisa De Silva says Theresa talks a lot . “ She is always asking ‘ What do you need ? How can I help ? How much do you want ? What time should I be there ?’ And she repeats herself over and over . That ’ s because giving to others is the essence of Theresa , and Morgan Hill is better because of her .” Dear Will , our region thanks you .

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com

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