In Memoriam:
Mary Ellen Glaser
(1942-2025)
Mary Ellen Glaser was a critical thread in the fabric of The Wooden Floor and a beloved member of our community. The depth of her commitment to the students of The Wooden Floor encompassed nearly every facet of her life, both professionally and personally.
Mary Ellen served as a Board Member for the organization for 11 years, encompassing three terms. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she was brought on as Program Director for the organization, then known as Saint Joseph Ballet. She oversaw and developed non-artistic programs by leading, training, and developing program staff, including supervising social worker licensure for staff. Through her expertise, she helped to grow and professionalize the Family Services component of our mission with a commitment to quality communication, the organization’s values, and producing results in the service of our students and their families.
Mary Ellen, together with husband Jack Glaser, generously contributed to The Wooden Floor’s mission financially, from funding student college application fees and scholarships to being Dance Partners, Annual Concert Underwriters, Neighbors support group members, financial supporters of the construction of our flagship location, as well as in-kind supporters.
Mary Ellen’s warmth and love for others led so many to support The Wooden Floor, including members of her family. Her son Brian volunteered with the organization, where he met and married former Artistic Director Melanie Ríos Gaser. Mary Ellen’s daughter Meg, at one time a student of the organization, later served as a faculty member, and her grandchildren are current students and alumni of The Wooden Floor.
Mary Ellen’s selflessness, heart of service, and joyful spirit will be dearly missed and will live on indefinitely in the legacy of The Wooden Floor and its students.
In Memoriam:
Mary Ellen Glaser
(1943-2024)
Mary Ellen Glaser was a critical thread in the fabric of The Wooden Floor and a beloved member of our community. The depth of her commitment to the students of The Wooden Floor encompassed nearly every facet of her life, both professionally and personally.
Mary Ellen served as a Board Member for the organization for 11 years, encompassing three terms. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she was brought on as Program Director for the organization, then known as Saint Joseph Ballet. She oversaw and developed non-artistic programs by leading, training, and developing program staff, including supervising social worker licensure for staff. Through her expertise, she helped to grow and professionalize the Family Services component of our mission with a commitment to quality communication, the organization’s values, and producing results in the service of our students and their families.
Mary Ellen, together with husband Jack Glaser, generously contributed to The Wooden Floor’s mission financially, from funding student college application fees and scholarships to being Dance Partners, Annual Concert Underwriters, Neighbors support group members, financial supporters of the construction of our flagship location, as well as in-kind supporters.
Mary Ellen’s warmth and love for others led so many to support The Wooden Floor, including members of her family. Her son Brian volunteered with the organization, where he met and married former Artistic Director Melanie Ríos Gaser. Mary Ellen’s daughter Meg, at one time a student of the organization, later served as a faculty member, and her grandchildren are current students and alumni of The Wooden Floor.
Mary Ellen’s selflessness, heart of service, and joyful spirit will be dearly missed and will live on indefinitely in the legacy of The Wooden Floor and its students.