Teresa Smith founded Dreams for Change in 2009 to provide comprehensive social services through innovative programming and research. Through her experiences, Teresa saw the need to promote a new generation of ideas, institutions, and business practices to meet the new set of social challenges.

Teresa started Dreams for Change to address the growing first-time homelessness occurring primarily as a result of the Great Recession. Teresa developed the leading model of Safe Parking for individuals and families who are homeless and residing in their vehicle, which is currently being replicated in multiple cities throughout the country. Teresa’s work with individuals experiencing homelessness also includes developing and implementing a Social Enterprise employment training program.

Teresa’s accomplishments include recipient of the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award, San Diego LEAD Community Spotlight Award, Joy McAllister Advocacy Award, and a two-time USD Social Innovation Challenge Award.

Teresa’s educational experience includes a BS in Psychology from Western Michigan University, MA in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego, and a MA and Ph.D. in Human Sciences from the California Institute in Human Sciences. Teresa also served eight years in the US Army Reserves coordinating mental health services.