Executive Team

Since the age of 17, Cheryl has committed herself to making a positive difference in the lives of those with developmental disabilities, thus beginning a lifelong journey that has benefited thousands of individuals and their families. Cheryl graduated from the University of Michigan and holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. In 1980, she founded the Training, Education, and Research Institute (TERI) and has been the CEO of the corporation throughout its history. Based in San Diego, California, TERI serves over 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families; employs 350 professional and paraprofessional staff; and maintains a $14.5 million annual operating budget. The agency offers a wide range of services to this population, supporting them across the lifespan. Cheryl’s goal in establishing TERI was to raise the quality of life and supports available to individuals with significant disabilities. She has met this goal in many ways, including having TERI cited as a model program in the state of California for the quality of services it provides. Twice nominated for Maria Shriver’s prestigious Minerva Award, Cheryl has been repeatedly recognized and honored for her considerable contributions to the field.

Krysti DeZonia , Co-Founder of TERI, currently directs the Learning Academy and Country School as well as the Research, and Life Planning Departments. A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Special Education, Krysti has continued her educational pursuits to include a Master’s in Educational Studies from UCSD and earned her Doctorate in Education. She has presented on various topics internationally in the field of special education and is multiply published. She provides consultation to families and school districts and has served people in this industry since 1979. Krysti conceived of Life Planning, our holistic method for planning and ensuring life quality for persons with autism and other developmental disabilities across the lifespan.

Krysti is also the parent of a son with profound and multiple disabilities. She has been married to husband Rob since 1983, and has two children, Jarred and Russel.

Teresa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Oregon State University and her Elementary Teaching Credential from University of Southern California. Beginning her career as a school teacher in the Los Angeles School system, Teresa moved on to hold the Executive Directorship of the Fallbrook Child Development Center. She transitioned to the TERI team in 1982, initially as a direct care staff in the group homes, then as a QMRP, Assistant Director of Residential Services, and then Director of Residential Services since 1990. In 2004, Teresa became the Director of Adult Services and administers the agency’s most diverse programs. Teresa’s great creativity has been the inspiration of many new programs at TERI.

Teresa loves to shop and travel, and one of her favorite places is Sequoia National Park.

Laura has been an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) since 1999 and a founding member of a non-profit human resource professional group in San Diego County since 2003. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1999 receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Laura began working in human resource management soon after graduation, with the majority of that experience dedicated to serving non-profits. Prior to joining the executive management team at TERI in 2001, Laura was the Human Resources Manager for Centennial Developmental Services, Inc., a non-profit agency providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities in Northern Colorado.

Laura has been happily married to her husband, Justin, since 2001, and is a proud new mother to son, Bryce.

A San Diego native, Laura earned her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Chico in Journalism & Public Relations, and her Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University. Her early career was in the fast-paced world of advertising until she was inspired by Oprah’s Angels Network to switch gears to pursue non-profit fundraising. Working with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Race for the Cure, in Orange County, Laura successfully helped raise over $3 million. Relocating back to San Diego in 2003, Laura joined Casa De Amparo as the Annual Fund Manager where she doubled annual fund proceeds during her tenure. She joined the TERI team in 2006 as the first-ever Director of Development.

Laura is an avid golfer, although claims she will be a “beginner for life,” and is a huge Grey’s Anatomy fan. Her favorite TERI program is Art Enables’ volunteer visiting artists.

Terri received her Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration and her MBA at National University. She is currently a doctoral student in Management and Organizational Leadership at the University of Phoenix, School of Advanced Studies. Terri’s nonprofit experience covers many years of grant writing and administering programs for persons with HIV/AIDS, as well as providing consulting services to medical, educational and animal rescue nonprofits. Joining TERI in 2004, she has facilitated and led agency-wide Strategic Planning, developed a highly proactive Grants Management department, and is responsible for the establishment of many special projects designed to further the agency’s mission.

A devoted equestrian, Terri rides and competes in Saddleseat Horse Shows on American Saddlebred Horse, He is Poison, while daughter, Naia rides in the Hunter/Jumper discipline. Both actively volunteer at TERI’s Therapeutic Equestrian Program.