Theresa E. Murphy holds a Bachelors Degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University of Long Beach.  She has been working with individuals, couples, and youth since 1988.  Theresa has been associated with Precious Life Shelter since 1989.  First as Volunteer Coordinator training individuals seeking to work with the organization.  She became a member of the Board of Directors in 1990 and begun working on fund raising aspects for the shelter; initiating the annual “Affair of the Heart” dinner dance and auction for over 300 donors, volunteers, and supporters.  She also worked a regular shift in the office, as well as, one on one with the residents in a mentoring and a counseling position.

In 1994, she was asked to assume the responsibilities of Executive Director when the founder retired.  She continues in that position but resigned as a member of the Board of Directors, and in 1996 was elected to represent the Board as President/CEO.

Responsibilities includes all aspects of administration and operations of the 501(c)3 organization.  The recruitment of individuals to serve on the board; does all grant writing and develops and implements such, as directed by the Board; work with staff and residents to implement a well-run organization, speaks to corporations, organizations, and networks to help other non-profits set up guidelines and procedures.  She also provides for future development of acquired properties to meet the needs of clients served.

Theresa is married, for 52 years, to James J. Murphy, General Counsel for Transamerica Los Angeles, retired.  They have four children ranging in age 50 to 38 years.  In 1999, she was honored as the Care Provider of the year, by HomeAid Orange County, which is the Building Industry Association non-profit to help provide shelter beds for the Orange County homeless.  She has been honored by the California PTA in 1998 with them highest Honorary Service Award for service to her community.  

She was a founding member of Los Alamitos High School Grad Night Committee and served as their Treasure for fourteen years.  She resides in Rossmoor, since 1983, and has worked in the schools, community, church as an activist.  She is a member of St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Long Beach.  Has been a Eucharist Minister, RCIA catechist, confirmation instructor and speaks on life issues for numerous local parishes.  In 2004, she was named “Woman of the Year” by Assemblyman Tom Harmon for the 67th District in Orange County.  In 2005, she was recognized by Long Beach Soroptimist International as their “Women Helping Women” Honoree.  In 2007, she was honored by Huntington Beach Soroptimist International for the “Woman of Distinction” award for Human Rights & the Status of Women.  In 2009, she was recognized as “Woman of the Year” by Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce.  In 2012, she was recognized as the “Cypress Woman of the Year” by the Cypress Chamber of Commerce.  In 2013, she was recognized by Cypress College as the “Los Alamitos/Rossmoor Citizen of the Year” at the Americana awards.

In 1995, she and husband made a Marriage Encounter weekend and a year later were asked to be a team for engaged Encounter, which they did for 14 years.  Theresa also was on RICA Catechist and Eucharist Mister for her parish for 11 years.  She and her husband also taught the Confirmation Enrichment Program for the Junior High students at their parish.  She served as Program Chair ODCCW for two years and continues to attend meeting.

Theresa is involved in many civic organizations and volunteers her services when needed.  She is past Director for the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Orange County Homeless Issues Task Force; the Shelter Providers Forum; the Partnership for Responsible Public Policy; the Cypress Chamber; Legislative Committee West Orange County; Education Committee for Chamber; West Coast Maternity Home Association; the Perinatal Substance Abuse Network; Crisis Pregnancy Network of the Dioceses of Orange;  participated in the Orange County Social Services Task Force, in 2007 was a member of the County of Orange Homeless Multi-Service Center Technical Advisory Committee; worked on the Welfare Reform Committee in 1996; participated in the development of the Task Force for 10-Year Plan to End Homeless in 1999 and 2009; Supervisor Silva’s Community Advisory Committee; Sits on the local Chamber Civic Affairs Committee; helped form collaborative in Los Alamitos for a Family Resource Center, Partner 4 Solutions; and is a member of the Los Alamitos/Seal Beach Rotary Club, Director of

Cypress Chamber, and Chair Since 2016.  In 2006, she sat on the founding board for the Women’s Symposium kick off International Woman’s locally.  She is currently President and CEO of Precious Life shelter.