Faces at TRIP: Theresa Newton

Theresa Newton:  Director of Rental Operations

Theresa Newton has been the Director of Rental Operations at TRIP since 2001. 

Theresa oversees the management of TRIP’s portfolio of 301 apartments.  She works with TRIP staff, private owners of apartment buildings and she helps area landlords on management issues.  She also oversees small development projects.  A typical day would include writing reports for lenders, working with project owners and landlords, budgeting programs and planning for improvements and long term use.

Theresa states that her goals at TRIP focus on providing better apartments for hardworking families and seniors.  

She enjoys working in Troy as her family roots are here and she has become attached to many other families in and around TRIP’s neighborhoods.

In her spare time she is an avid cyclist and triathlete.  She recently competed in the Patriot Half Ironman.

Faces at TRIP: Michele Desormeau

Michele Desormeau: Maintenance Team

Meet Michele Desormeau, TRIP’s newest employee at 3 months and one day.  She is quick to tell people that her nationality is French although based on the different ways that people pronounce her name, it changes from Italian to German to …..

Michele joined TRIP’s maintenance team in September and has many years of experience in this field.  She feels working in maintenance is challenging and rewarding work, particularly since it is not the “same old thing” every day.  The work changes daily, whether it is making repairs or meeting tenants.  She is exhilarated to be working at TRIP, doing everything from repairs to “make readies,”   where she enjoys working alone as well as working with other maintenance staff on joint projects. 

When Michele is not working she loves traveling in her RV, which is currently vacationing without her in warm weather in Knoxville, TN.  Michele recently rescued a Jack Russell terrier who she named “Jack.”  Before you accuse her of having no imagination, she will tell you that her grandson thinks it’s cool when he googles Jack Russell and photos of Michele’s dog pops up. 

She used to be fussy about her hair in order to look her best, which she thought was important until her best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a radical mastectomy.  Now she cuts it as soon as it reaches 8 inches (every 18 months) and donates it to Locks of Love to make wigs for cancer patients.  She explained that she often has clips in her hair, not because she thinks it looks “cute,” but to keep the hair out of her face so she doesn’t cut it before it’s long enough to donate. 

Michele is an awesome worker and a great team player.  In addition to her excellent work, we enjoy seeing her smiling face when she comes into the office.  Welcome, Michele!  

Faces at TRIP: Elsie Pastor

Elsie Pastor

Elsie Pastor moved into an apartment with TRIP more than ten years ago.  She quickly became a favored tenant and neighborhood advocate, especially as she is bi-lingual (Spanish).  In August 2004, Elsie began working at TRIP in Rental Management, as a coordinator.  She processed applications, did filing, scheduled appointments and excelled at general clerical work.  In 2009 she was promoted to a Rental Manager here in Troy and in 2010 Elsie took over Site Management of two senior apartment complexes in Albany.  

Elsie is an extremely hard worker and is dedicated to her senior residents who all have considerable needs.  Her background in accounting is also a great asset in running the two apartment sites.  When Elsie isn’t working, you might find her at the movies, spending time with her five grandchildren, sewing or doing crafts.  She is also a very accomplished cook and enjoys managing the grills at block parties. Elsie is a great deal of fun and we miss her daily presence at 415 River Street.  

Elsie’s goal for this year is to bring more on-site services to the senior properties.  We are certain she will be successful!       

Faces at TRIP - Jay Coons

Jay Coons, Maintenance Mechanic

Zoey & Jake

Jay Coons is a lifelong Troy resident and has been working with TRIP’s maintenance staff for just 18 months. Jay’s job as a maintenance mechanic involves preparing apartments between tenancies – painting and repairing things -- as well as general maintenance requests such as dealing with plumbing, heating and electrical issues. Jay loves the fact that every day at TRIP is a different work day. There is also always plenty to do, so he can keep busy and the day flies by. He says that he “comes in, gets to work, and the next thing he knows it is 3 o’clock – it’s great!”

When Jay isn’t working, he is focused on the three loves of his life: Kelly, his girlfriend of 8 years and his first love, his American Bulldog named Zoey, and his Calico named Sasha. Jay loves all animals and his favorite thing to do is take Zoey for walks and play with her. When Jay can get away, he and Kelly escape to her family’s camp on Caroga Lake where he can recharge and relax with Kelly and Zoey. Jay also considers himself something of a sports nut. He is an avid Dodgers, Raiders, Lakers and North Carolina basketball fan. 

Jay’s coworkers enjoy his sense of humor and helpful demeanor – he has been a great addition to our team!

Faces at TRIP: Sam Messick

Sam Messick

Helping people find quality, affordable TRIP apartments often starts with our Rental Coordinator, Samantha Messick.  As a member of TRIP’s Rental Management team, Sam processes rental applications and helps interested applicants navigate the process.  She also coordinates the landlord screenings, a program that allows private landlords to find the most responsible tenants for their apartments.

When she’s away from the office, Sam likes to bake and read digital-page-turners on her Kindle.  Putting a family recipe to use and baking up a batch of Keyser cookie bars is always a treat.

After a year and a half at TRIP Sam aims to become even more efficient while maintaining a strong sense of empathy.  Finding the right apartment for applicants while remaining open-minded about each individual’s circumstances is key to successful rental management.