Dr. Teresa Garate has over 30 years of experience leading systems change, innovation and growth in the complex environments of public health, healthcare, public education, higher education, and government. She was recently named Managing Director for HMA’s BH practice and has experience in strategic planning, program development, program evaluation, and operational design in behavioral health, substance use disorders and addiction treatment, school-based health services, hospital and health systems, and public health. Before joining HMA, Teresa was a C-Suite executive for large national substance use disorder and behavioral health systems, including Gateway Foundation and Rogers Behavioral.
Teresa served in IL Governor Pat Quinn’s cabinet, as the assistant director for the IDPH, and was responsible for managing all the agency’s operations, including providing guidance and oversight for the state’s 96 local health departments. Prior to this, Teresa was chief of staff for the Chicago Public Schools’ Office of Specialized Services, leading strategic district-wide initiatives focused on special education, juvenile justice, and disability access.
Teresa has served on numerous non-profit boards, including being a founding board member of Kennedy Forum Illinois. She is currently the Vice Chair for the Illinois Community College Board and the Board Chair for NAMI Chicago.