ABOUT US

Theresa Barila (she/her) is the founder of the Community Resilience Initiative (CRI). Teri earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from American University and a Masters of Science in Fisheries Management from the University of Maryland. Teri spent 20 years as a Research Biologist with the Federal Salmon and Steelhead recovery program in the Pacific Northwest. Her experience in that field helped her bridge science and practice when she changed careers and moved into community engagement work 22 years ago. Recognized internationally for her work with CRI, Teri frequently travels, training communities to develop their own blueprint so that “Resilience Trumps ACEs.” Teri is involved extensively in training, consulting, writing, and researching in trauma, resilience, and community capacity building. Her work has attracted attention in various venues, in part due to the focus Teri places on grassroots organizational development and the focus on the hope of resilience. Teri is mom to two children, a son and daughter, and was pleased to add the title grandmother in 2018. Experiencing a special needs child’s world has significantly shaped Teri’s thinking on systems, education, resilience, and advocacy for children.

Penny Capko has been partnering with Community Resilience Initiative since 2016. She has experience as a CRI trainer, board member and president of the board. Penny received her Master of Education with Administrative Credential through Washington State University. Her extensive experience as a teacher and administrator across the state of Washington has provided her opportunities to support children and families in diverse communities.

Rick (he/him) is the former Executive Director for CRI and our current Master Trainer. With more than twenty years of experience in non-profit administration, Rick has first-hand experience with building organizations that use a trauma-informed approach in both internal operations and service delivery. Under Rick’s guidance, CRI has become a leading voice in the field of trauma and resilience. His dedication to resilience, and his commitment to creating a citizenry conversant in the science of trauma, are an inspiration to all who know him.

Becky Turner (she/her) joined the CRI team as Director of Community Engagement in 2022 and brings a background in public education and nonprofit leadership, including executive experience supporting individuals navigating reentry after incarceration. A lifelong resident of the Walla Walla Valley, she is deeply invested in strengthening communities locally and beyond, helping expand CRI’s reach into a global network of resilience through cross-sector collaboration. Outside of work, Becky enjoys gardening and Sunday dinner with her extended family, where she is the assigned dessert maker.