Teresa Torres

TERESA L. TORRES (teresatorres@everybodycounts.org)

“Disability Rights, Independent Living – by whatever name, what we believe in here

is the PES principle. We give people Permission to want whatever they choose, Empowerment to go out and get it, and Support to make it all happen. Then we help

other folks learn how to be appropriately supportive or get out of the way.”

As the founder and Executive Director, Teresa developed and initiated most of the many successful programs and services for children, parents and adults that Everybody Counts has sponsored since 1981 (see Our History). She does a little of everything, but is

primarily responsible for working with the board of directors to make sure that the

doors are kept wide open.

A self-proclaimed 'reformed professional,' Teresa happily gave up advisory positions with various local, regional and state government agencies to become an activist and community organizer.

“After a while, you come to understand that you can only hold so many meetings

to discuss what ought to be done before it’s time to just go out and gather up the people to get it done.”

A long time active member of ADAPT, strong supporter of Not Dead Yet and regular contributor to Mouth Magazine, Teresa has conducted various workshops and trainings for colleges, businesses, government entities, law enforcement personnel and social service agencies, and has been featured speaker for several state and regional conferences.

“Getting such a wonderfully successful presence on the internet through our ever-growing website has really jumpstarted some new and productive developments. It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm our newer team members have for bringing about  the kinds of systemic changes that are needed so that people with disabilities can live

their lives as they choose.”

She attended Valparaiso University and Indiana University Northwest before beginning

a diverse career that included journalism, advertising, public relations, personnel and sales before moving into public administration and holding Assistant Director positions with the Calumet Forum, the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program of Indiana and

the Northwest Indiana Public School Study Council.

“Over the years, our folks have touched the lives of many people. I’m always so very happy to see familiar faces dropping by to tell us how they’re doing and ask what they can do to help others achieve their goals as well.”

Teresa lives in Merrillville, and is the proud parent of Mark and Rachel, who is a public relations consultant living with her husband David in San Antonio, Texas.  She credits her late furry room mate Molly with getting her through some rough times, and thanks all of the many friends and colleagues who have continued to support her and Everybody Counts through the rough waters of difficult decisions.