Teri Brister

Prior to joining NAMI in 2005, Teri worked for 20 years in the community mental health system in Mississippi. She held both clinical and administrative roles, including assistant executive director in two different centers. Teri received her Ph.D. in public policy and administration from Jackson State University, and her B.S. and M.S. degrees in counseling psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a licensed professional counselor in Mississippi.

What Piece Of Your Work At NAMI Are You Most Proud Of?

Of everything that I’ve been involved in at NAMI, I am the proudest of developing the NAMI Basics program for family caregivers of children and adolescents with mental health conditions. It was incredible to have the opportunity to create something that has the potential to help improve parents’ lives and the lives of their children. As Joyce Burland says, “NAMI programs change lives while we wait on the world to change.”

Who Inspires You?

I am inspired daily by the people who come to NAMI in search of information and support as they attempt to find the help and services they need, often with little support in their communities.