Chamber Chat: TERI Campus of Life — bringing the community together

When Cheryl Kilmer was a 17-year-old student studying psychology at the University of Michigan, she met 5-year-old Yvette Champagne. Yvette was a special needs child who had cerebral palsy, epilepsy and additional health issues.

She was placed in the children’s ward in the state hospital, which Cheryl described as a terrible environment. At that moment Cheryl knew there had to be a better way.

In 1980 she founded TERI (Training, Education & Resource Institute). Fast forward to 2024 and Cheryl’s vision of a Campus of Life is happening in San Marcos. TERI recently opened The Bornemann Theater and Fine Arts Center.

The mission of TERI is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities. Through support, advocacy, dedication, innovation, and resolve, TERI has brought opportunity and hope to countless individuals and families.