Terri McCann

I attribute my success to a combination of life experience, perseverance, and the unwavering support of family members and mentors who believed in me during some of the most challenging periods of my life. My journey has included significant personal loss and difficult circumstances that could have easily changed the course of my future, but I chose to view those experiences as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. They taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of continuing to move forward regardless of the obstacles in front of me. I am also deeply inspired by my son, whose strength and ability to overcome adversity have reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and the value of never giving up on yourself or your goals.

The best career advice I have ever received came from mentors who encouraged me to believe in myself, even during times when I struggled to see my own potential. Two individuals who had a particularly profound impact on my life, Wanda Brown and Peter Sloan, taught me the importance of perseverance, accountability, and recognizing my own worth. Their guidance helped me navigate both personal and professional challenges, and those lessons continue to shape the way I approach obstacles, pursue growth, and support others as they work to overcome challenges in their own lives.

My advice to young women entering the human services, case management, or behavioral health fields is to lead with compassion while maintaining healthy personal boundaries. Patience, empathy, and the ability to meet people where they are are essential qualities in this work, but it is equally important to prioritize self-care and protect your own well-being. Meaningful change often takes time, and progress may not always be immediate or visible. Stay committed to serving others, trust the process, and remember that even small acts of support can have a life-changing impact on someone's journey.

One of the biggest challenges in the homeless services field is the ongoing shortage of affordable and accessible housing. Many individuals are ready to move forward and improve their circumstances, but the lack of stable housing options often creates barriers that are beyond the control of both clients and service providers. Another challenge is working with individuals who may not yet be ready to accept help, which requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. Despite these obstacles, I see tremendous opportunities to strengthen support systems, improve access to services, and create pathways that help people achieve long-term stability and independence. One of my proudest accomplishments was helping an individual secure permanent housing after spending more than eight years living on the streets, and experiences like that remind me of the meaningful impact this work can have on people's lives.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are respect, honesty, and empathy. My experience working with individuals facing homelessness and crisis has reinforced my belief that every person deserves dignity, regardless of their circumstances. I have learned that trust is built through honesty and consistency, and that meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. These principles guide how I show up in my professional role and also shape the way I engage with my family, friends, and broader community.