Teresa became a single parent at the age of 15 and was living in the foster system since then. During her time in the system, she was able to graduate high school and raise her child in a former foster youth maternity home. Teresa eventually returned to the same maternity home she lived in when she was 15 and worked her way through the organization's cooperate ladder. She began as a front desk associate later became a Family Advocate, and currently is a Lead Family advocate. Her passion to serve the former foster youth has only grown throughout the years. She advocates with empathy and understanding because she was once in the same position as the young ladies she serves. Teresa only leads by example and is such an inspiration to all her collogues. While working in full-time management she still managed to obtain her AA in Criminal Justice and hopes to return to school to get a bachelor's degree. Her son is now all grown up and she spends most of her free time exercising, traveling, and caring for her active dogs. Teresa is an example of what it truly means grow from your trauma. She has accomplished so much and will only accomplish more!