As Cascadia strives toward becoming a more vibrantly diverse organization to better serve the communities in which we work and live, we are strategically focused on providing culturally competent, integrated care for our people and through our programs and practice. To assist in this process, we are delighted to welcome Terri Houston to the Cascadia team as our new Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Terri most recently served as the Interim Chief Diversity Officer and Executive Director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she oversaw UNC’s efforts toward creating inclusive excellence. Terri’s expansive portfolio includes serving in Residential Services, Human Resource Engagement & Development, Diversity & Equity Affairs, Crisis Intervention & Substance Abuse Prevention, and Gender & LGBTQ services.

Her compassionate leadership in the academe, with businesses and non-profits is measured by the many alliances, coalitions and partnerships she has established. She has served in various levels of leadership and frequently consults on matters of cultural competence and leadership development with businesses, conferences, campuses and community organizations.

She holds a Master’s degree in Counselor Education, a Bachelor’s in Public Relations and national certifications and recognitions. A world traveler, Terri is most proud of her Chicago, IL roots. When asked what she is looking forward to most in joining the Cascadia team, Terri simply replied, “meeting and serving the people.”

Although Terri will be conducting an expansive examination of Cascadia’s DEI efforts, her first few months will be devoted to a listening and learning tour, meeting with all levels of staff throughout our sites. Her warm, genuine spirit is welcomed here. We look forward to learning and growing with her as we expand our focus on efficiency, diversity, innovation, equity, determination, inclusion all grounded in compassion to create hope and opportunity for low income people with mental illnesses and addictions.

Welcome Terri!