Expertise: Youth Program Development, Curriculum Design, Research, Conflict Management, Refugee and Immigration Policy, Community Outreach
Content Knowledge: Education, Youth, Human Security, the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
Teresa has specialized in youth program development, with an emphasis on education programs for refugees and immigrants in the United States. Prior to working with SAI, Teresa completed a yearlong research fellowship at the University of Baltimore, focusing on human security issues and immigration policy in the United States and abroad. Teresa co-authored a paper that examines the role of regional organizations in implementing the Responsibility to Protect and an op-ed on the United States’ response to Syrian refugees.
Prior to beginning the fellowship, Teresa worked as the Academic Director for Soccer Without Borders- Baltimore, where she designed and implemented academic programming for middle and high school refugee, asylee, and immigrant youth in Baltimore City. As the Academic Director, Teresa wrote a curriculum that integrates English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction and soccer, on the field and in the classroom, and piloted a college prep program for SWB’s newcomer participants, which resulted in 100% of participants being accepted to and enrolled at a community or four year college.
Teresa holds an M.S. in Global Affairs and Human Security from the University of Baltimore and a B.A. in Philosophy, with a minor in International Studies, from the College of Charleston. She also has experience living and working in China as a student and as an English language instructor. Outside of work, Teresa spends her time enjoying nature by way of camping and surfing.