Equipped with a Master’s degree in Economics, Vassar began her career as an economist, but after ten years in the field, she chose to change her career entirely for the opportunity to work in nonprofit senior living. She obtained a Master’s degree in Gerontology at Naropa University and became CEO of Rose Villa, a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community, in 2006. Bringing both financial rigor and resident-directed perspective to her work, she focuses on building partnerships with residents to create vibrant emotional, social, and physical environments. She is passionate about the way we age, working to break down negative stereotypes and visioning senior living in new and innovative ways.