The job of helping families find the care they need is a true calling. It takes sensitivity, deep understanding, an empathetic ear and a compassionate, detail-oriented approach. With a reputation that precedes her, Tere Snodgrass’s name is synonymous with all of these traits, and more. For over three decades, Tere has built lasting relationships across an industry of helping professionals with the single goal of bettering young people’s lives. As Educational Consultant Pam Bard, LMSW says, “Tere’s reputation for hard work, and her understanding of the complex populations we work with, shines.”
Now, as we welcome Tere onto our team as the new Director of Admissions & Referral Experience, our Founder and CEO, John McGeehan, LCSW sat down with her to learn more about what first attracted her to this work, what excites her about our mission at The Dorm, and the changes she hopes to bring to our industry writ large.
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John: We’re so honored to have you as part of our team, Tere. Congratulations! You join us with an impressive, decades-long career. Can I ask, what inspired you to first take this path in life?
Tere: I’m intrigued and inspired by the sense of perseverance, resiliency and desire for personal growth individuals draw from when equipped with the skills and strategies to do so. The desire to improve one’s life by embracing humility and not sacrificing personal integrity resonates with me. Helping young people find the support they need to achieve that within themselves, that’s powerful! I’m humbled every day I get to do this work helping individuals find that innermost potential.
J: What excites you most about this new role at The Dorm?
Do you or a loved one need help with mental health?
The Dorm is here.
T: To observe young adults engaged in a clinical community while completing day-to-day activities. Through the “real world” setting of The Dorm, clients are able to immediately practice and apply the relational, academic and vocational skills they are learning. That’s unique and compelling! I look forward to helping young people find that in treatment.
J: What do you think is the most important aspect of your new role?
T: To work closely with therapeutic/educational consultants to understand the unique needs of their clients and families and to steward clients through the admissions process with a steady, attentive hand. The transition process into a new program comes with many emotions and lots of questions. It can be one of the most difficult times in a family’s life. My job is to make this time as seamless as possible and to make sure everyone has the information and support they need.
J: You’ve seen many programs and approaches over the years. What do you think is the biggest strength of The Dorm?
T: The clinical expertise of the treatment team. Whether through individual therapy, comprehensive group therapy, or community outings, The Dorm’s team promotes a client-centered approach and ensures that each individual’s needs are met and the best possible outcomes are achieved.
J: What would you like to bring to the relationships between client families and The Dorm?
T: I hope to assist young adults and their families in the decision-making process regarding the appropriate placement at The Dorm and to help them establish strong therapeutic relationships based on trust with their team here. I know this can be supported when we foster a smooth, communicative and transparent admissions and integration process.
J: What changes would you like to bring to our industry?
T: I want to minimize the negative stigma we so often see associated with seeking treatment. When we celebrate client success stories, more families will feel comfortable and emotionally safe talking about the treatment experiences that have helped them navigate their toughest mental health challenges and helped them achieve personal growth.
J: I know our readers would love to get to know you better, so I’d love to ask a few “quick-fire” questions to close us out!
T: Let’s do it.
J: Most memorable vacation?
T: Taking my daughters to Lake Powell where I spent my childhood summers!
J: What book have you read recently?
T: For professional growth: Think Again, by Adam Grant. For fun: Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus.
J: What animal would you be in another life?
T: An owl 🦉 🙂
J: Favorite pizza topping?
T: Artichoke hearts, always!
J: Name a person who inspires you.
T: Lately, there isn’t one person, but many. All of the incredible individuals who have supported me and who continue to inspire me to learn, so I can support and inspire others.
Thank you, Tere for your time, your insights and for joining us on our mission at The Dorm. We can’t wait to get started on all our work together.
