Mary Ann Spanos, DPT

Mary Ann Spanos, DPT is Director of the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services and President of USAging, the national association for Area Agencies on Aging. She is recognized for her commitment to helping older adults and those with disabilities to live with independence and dignity. Through physical therapy, she helps give people back their lives and their autonomy.

Dr. Spanos became a physical therapist to assist people in regaining their independence, but never considered a career in aging. Her family’s influence, especially her grandparents, guided her choice of profession. She was fortunate to have all four of her grandparents present in her life while growing up, and credits her relationship with them for her career in aging services.

Dr. Spanos practiced physical therapy, specializing in geriatric rehabilitation, from 1986 to 2007, when she was appointed Director of Chautauqua County’s Area Agency on Aging. As Director, she oversees Chautauqua County NY Connects, the Aging and Disability Resource Center, and supervises a staff of 27, as well as more than 30 contractors who provide community-based services to older adults.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Spanos ensured that seniors and their caregivers received the services and support they needed to protect their health and remain in their homes.

Dr. Spanos received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1986, and her Doctorate from Boston University in 2005.

She lives in Bemus Point, New York, with her husband, George, and is the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother of one.

“The whole goal is making our community the best place to live and grow older in. I hope I’m a small part of making that happen,” Dr. Spanos says. “When you leave this world, it’s not about you, but the love you shared with others.”