TERRI WRIGHT-BENNETT
Houston,TX
Summary
A proven professional with over 30 years of experience serving adults with intellectual disabilities and other related conditions in a variety of roles. Knowledgeable with proven history of leading high-performing teams and executing initiatives that drive organizational growth. Successfully directed process improvements and operational efficiencies both in a managerial and director role. Demonstrate leadership and communication skills in fostering collaborative environments and delivering impactful results. Highly focused on creating open communication leading to successful relationships with both internal and external customers.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Program Manager
The Village Centers
Kingwood
02.2025 - 08.2025
- Managed all aspects of the adult day program (Individualized Skills and Socialization) for 130 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and 17 Direct Support Professionals.
- Ensured compliance with agency policies and procedures, as well as state mandated rules for an ISS program.
- Focused on team and staff development.
- Conducted on-going training, as well as responsible for all on-boarding paperwork and training.
- Worked closely with the program director to ensure the program stayed within the outlined budget.
- Scheduled staff training as needed for CPR and Safety Care.
- Promoted a positive work environment for all staff and a high level of customer service for families and caregivers.
- Separation due to budget lay-off.
Director/Contract Project Manager
CRI Federal Services
Houston, TX
01.2016 - 02.2025
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- 80% of all labor hours are from employees with IDD and veterans in therapy programs.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas and concerns.
- Proven record of low turnover rates.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, including Federal contracting compliance and Department of Labor.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring, and training of team members.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships both with patients and nursing staff.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Promote accountability and ownership among all employees.
- Observed each employee’s individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness, particularly with employees with an intellectual disability.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, considering customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data for forecast performance trends.
- Promoted knowledge sharing among team members through regular training sessions and workshops focused on best practices in project management.
- (a subsidiary of The Center for Pursuit). A Federal contract at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center that provides 24/7 Patient Escort services to all in-coming patients
- ($3.5M budget, 85 employees)
Various Roles
The Center For Pursuit
Houston, TX
01.1988 - 01.2016
- Adult Training & Employment Services (Day & Vocational Program) - Houston, Texas
- Direct Support Professional – responsible for a group of 20 adults in the vocational program: focused on training, quality control, and addressing client’s issues. (Promoted)
- Program Coordinator – case management for approximately 35 adults: monthly progress notes, annual plans, and family relations. (Promoted)
- Program Manager – helped to manage the day-to-day needs of the program reporting to the Department Director: over 200 adults daily and 40 staff. (Promoted)
- Program Director – responsible for all operations and state compliance matters for the day and vocational program. Successfully collaborated with the Harris Center and private providers to ensure a high level of quality. Annual program budget $2M., 35 employees.
- HCS Program – instrumental in the opening, hiring and training for 24 group homes. Successfully negotiated agreement with Metro Lift Ride Share program to provide vehicles for the group homes.
Education
Management and Leadership Certificate -
University of Houston
Clear Lake, TX06.2014
High School Diploma -
Brenham High
Brenham, TX05.1984
Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Leadership effectiveness
- Staff hiring and scheduling
- Reliability and professionalism
- Customer relationship management
- Strategic planning
- Staff training and development
- Employee mentoring and reviews
- Team building
- Conflict resolution
- Government relations
Volunteer Experience
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Completed daily domestic tasks in shelters and group homes to assist people in need.
- Collaborated with other nonprofit organizations to develop joint initiatives that benefited the broader community at large.
- Provided emotional support and companionship to elderly in community homes.
References
References upon request
Timeline
Senior Program Manager
The Village Centers
02.2025 - 08.2025
Director/Contract Project Manager
CRI Federal Services
01.2016 - 02.2025
Various Roles
The Center For Pursuit
01.1988 - 01.2016
Management and Leadership Certificate -
University of Houston
High School Diploma -
Brenham High