Dr. Ellen Jaeger retires

Helping young people lead better lives has meant the world to Dr. Ellen Jaeger.

When she looks into their eyes and sees their successes, it fills her heart with pride.

"The changes are incredible," she said. "To see the growth in each and every one of them is amazing and so rewarding. It's the service to each one of these kids that makes it worthwhile."

As the clinical director of Innercept Academy, a residential program to help struggling teens and young adults, Jaeger has dedicated her time and career to lifting these youths out of disorders, depressions and other negative circumstances.

She began working with Northwest Psychiatric Associates in 2001, helping even more families and young people through her work as a licensed psychologist. When Innercept was formed by NPA professionals in 2004, she was right there to offer her skills and get the program going. She stepped into the role of clinical director five years ago.

On Wednesday, Jaeger said goodbye to her career and work family to embark on a new adventure — retirement.

"It’s kind of a mixed bag because I absolutely love what I've been doing. It's been the perfect job for me," she said. "It's such meaningful work. I will miss it. I'll miss the people I work with."

She said she's going to miss working alongside psychologists and therapists who are "incredible at what they do."

She will also miss working for Innercept founders Dr. George and Jami Ullrich.

"They have been wonderful to work for," she said. "They give so much to these young adults."

And her work family will miss her, too. Her colleagues threw her not one, but two retirement parties.

"She was there from the beginning," George said. "We were happy to have her walk that path with us. Her work has touched students all over the world."

Jami said Jaeger is more than a coworker. She is a very dear friend.

"I’m going to miss her laughter down the hall and her amazing ability, her gift of spirit she gave not only to the students, but also to the staff,” Jami said. "She had choices on how she wanted to spend her time, and she chose to be so devoted to her work and she wanted to stay involved in an organization that wants to give something to others. It's very difficult, taxing work, and she decided to spend her hours that way. I model much of my life after her."

Jaeger is retiring at the same time as her husband, Jerry, president and co-owner of Hagadone Hospitality Co. She said the two of them plan to travel, enjoy time at their California home, play golf and spend time with family and friends.

Ellen also plans to remain active in the community. She will continue her role as the parish president at St. Thomas for another year. She is currently the chair of the Mission House Legacy Committee, which is working to preserve the church's 1928 historic Mission House.

Although she will miss the work, her colleagues and the kids, Ellen said she is ready for the next chapter in her life.

"I believe that service to others and helping others is what gives meaning to life,” she said. "In my experience, watching the growth and progress of these young adults is more than rewarding. We’re here to help and support them, but I have benefitted equally from them."