Jerry Spanos

Jerry Spanos, Heritage's founder, was not your typical main stream student in the public school system. Plagued with strong feelings of failure and a school phobia through high school, he went on to conquer his fears, and graduate with honors with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. Today, Jerry will tell you that, “Education is Sacred’, and he has become a powerful role model and advocate for teenagers who are struggling with the many challenges of life. Driven by his passion to never give up and to be there for others in their time of need, he formed Heritage, a treatment center and school for at-risk adolescents. Jerry provides the “Spirit of Heritage”, it’s what visitors feel when they come to Heritage. He is the visionary who inspires staff individually and collectively to be the best they can be. Jerry is the pioneer of the relationship model that facilitates lasting change in the lives of the students at Heritage. When Jerry isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Jerry is also a long-distance bicyclist.