Theresa Morris
Theresa Morris is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Pine Ridge of Garfield Senior Living in Rochester, Michigan, where she guides families through one of life’s most important transitions: determining if senior living is the right next step for their loved ones. Theresa works closely with residents moving from their homes into independent living or those seeking social engagement after the loss of a spouse, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported. She emphasizes the importance of socialization, meaningful activities, and community engagement, helping residents find purpose and joy in their daily lives. Her approach combines compassionate guidance with a deep understanding of each family’s needs, creating an environment where residents truly feel at home.
Theresa’s path to senior living leadership began with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Administration and Management from Central Michigan University, with a focus on restaurant management. She spent several years in the restaurant industry, honing her skills in operations, team leadership, and customer service. After moving to the East Detroit area, she sought a new way to apply her hospitality expertise and discovered senior living a perfect niche that allowed her to serve seniors and their families in a meaningful way. Theresa found she could make a tangible impact on residents’ lives, providing services, social engagement, and opportunities for connection that enrich their daily experiences.
Throughout her career, Theresa has been motivated by a desire to positively influence the lives of others. She admires healthcare professionals for their dedication but recognized her own strengths lie in hospitality and relationship-building rather than medical care. In her role, she has witnessed remarkable transformations: residents quickly developing active, social lifestyles, participating in activities, and embracing new friendships. Theresa takes pride in offering more than just a living space she creates vibrant communities that give seniors a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Her personal motto, “Speak with honesty, think with sincerity, act with integrity,” reflects her approach to leadership, service, and the meaningful connections she cultivates every day.
• Hospitality Management
• Central Michigan University - BBA, Hospitality Administration/Management
• Influential Women 2026
• Blood Drive at Church
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace challenges while always striving to be a team player and make a positive difference in the lives of others. My personal and professional growth is fueled by curiosity and a love for learning, both through my career experiences and my special interests, which include traveling the world, reading avidly, playing the piano, gardening, and hiking. These passions keep me energized, inspired, and connected to the people and communities around me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never give up and always keep moving forward. I’ve learned the importance of finding your passion and pursuing it with dedication, while continually investing in your growth through education and lifelong learning. Staying curious and eager to learn has been key to both my personal and professional development.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to keep moving forward and never look back. Continue investing in your education, stay determined, and don’t let anything stand in the way of your accomplishments. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and always believe in your ability to make a meaningful impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the chance to create meaningful connections with people and foster a vibrant, engaging community. At the same time, a key challenge is building and maintaining a successful team environment where staff feel supported, motivated, and inspired to provide the highest level of care and service. Balancing these elements requires strong leadership, creativity, and a commitment to both resident and team satisfaction.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are staying focused on my goals, managing my time effectively, and maintaining organization in everything I do. Equally important is treating others with kindness and respect, and being a good listener, as these principles foster strong relationships, collaboration, and a positive, supportive environment.