We are delighted to announce the election of our newest board member Terri Theisen, Principal Consultant at Portland’s T2 Group.
Terri worked with CODA several years ago to help raise funds for two large remodeling projects: a general remodel for the Gresham Recovery Center women’s facility, and redesigning and remodeling the clinical space at the Portland Recovery Center to increase capacity, improve patient access and flow, and update the examination rooms. “I’m excited to be back in the CODA family,” she said.
Terri has forged a career working in the nonprofit sector, with a focus around education. In Portland, she has worked extensively with Portland State University, Concordia University, and All Hands Raised. In addition, she has consulted with a variety of organizations, including the Black Parent Initiative, the American Diabetes Association, and the Children’s Institute. A common theme in all her work has been equitable access across all demographics of society. “It is so important to make sure that people have access to the services and opportunities that they need.”
And she sees CODA as a strong embodiment of that access. “CODA is such a welcoming place,” she said. “Regardless of who you are, there is this respect that is given freely by the staff. When you walk into a CODA facility, you feel immediately welcome.” It is this, and the changes in the perceptions surrounding addiction that have come about due to advocacy by organizations like CODA, that she really appreciates. Having witnessed a lot of struggle with addiction in her own extended family, she said “when I am in a group, interacting with others, I talk about addiction and recovery.” And serving on CODA’s Board of Directors will give her even more opportunities to do so. “That’s what I want to do.”