SHIFT Facilitators

Terri Strodthoff comes by her practice of self-exploration naturally. She’s always been a curious soul, driven to solve problems and crack mysteries, and for a long time she viewed the inner landscape as one of the deepest enigmas. But after decades of doing her own inner work and leading the transformative healing practices of the Alma Center, Terri’s perspective has evolved. Now, she approaches the inner landscape not as a puzzle to be solved but as a rich, uncharted site—a place full of hidden treasures and layers of personal meaning, waiting to be unearthed.  With her blend of wisdom, heart, and humor, Terri invites others to discover their own inner worlds, reminding us all that the journey of self-discovery can be filled with both meaning and joy, and is an elevating life-changing process.

Terri has more than 30 years of experience working to create peaceful change for individuals, families and community. She is the Founder, and served for two decades as the Executive Director, of the Alma Center, a national award-winning community-based agency in Milwaukee pioneering the approach of Healing Focused Care to end cycles of violence, abuse and dysfunction. Under Terri’s leadership, the Alma Center was selected to participate in the first ever White House Roundtable addressing domestic violence accountability programs. Terri was also selected to provide expert testimony in the first ever National Congressional Briefing on this issue in which she advocated a paradigm shift toward more healing focused approaches.

Terri is a national expert in Healing Center Practices and a sought-after trainer and presenter. She is the originator and developer of Compassionate Self Archeology, an integrative approach for trauma-resolution and recovery of Authentic Self, and a trail-blazer in emancipating the healing of trauma from the mental health model.

Terri received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. She is a research-geek and often can be found curled up in her favorite chair with a book, or listening to the latest podcast on trauma research while chopping veggies in her kitchen. Her absolute most favorite part of life is gathering with family and friends, while eating a homecooked dinner around the table or sitting at a backyard bonfire, sharing stories—laughing, crying and being human with each other.