TACE Presenter

Samuel Teruel-Velez, M.A.,
North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NCDVRS)

Samuel Teruel-Velez is a native of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. He attended the University of Puerto Rico, Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez (RUM). Samuel joined the U.S Army in 1975 and attended the Non-Commissioned Officers School and Equal Employment Opportunity Institute at Patrick Air Force Base, and obtained the rank of Sergeant after three years of service. While in the ARMY, he served as a Human Relations Instructor and Spanish translator. Honorably discharged in 1980 and was awarded two Good Conduct Medals and an Army Commendation Medal.

Samuel earned his bachelor degree in Psychology and earned a diploma in Advance Vocational Evaluation and Vocational Administration from East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. He also earned a M.A. in counseling at Webster University, Myrtle Beach, SC Campus.

Employed by the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NCDVRS) since February 1988 to Present, Samuel has vast professional experience as a vocational evaluator and work adjustment, including four years as a program manager of rehabilitation services for NCDVRS. In addition, Samuel also has served in the capacity of vocational rehabilitation counselor, Counselor-In-Charge, Unit Manager and Independent Living Program Specialist for NCDVRS. As a bilingual and bicultural professional, Samuel has been involved in community groups that provide support to the Hispanic/Latino community. Samuel has been a supporter and provider of culturally-based services for individuals with disabilities from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds in North Carolina.