Theresa was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana where she has spent most of her life. She relocated to Connecticut for a period of time where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business from Central Connecticut State University and Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac School of Law (formerly the University of Bridgeport). She was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1991, the Louisiana Bar in 1992 and to practice before the United States Tax Court in 1994. Theresa, an AV-Rated Attorney, is certified as a Specialist in Estate Planning and Administration by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization and has served as a member of its Advisory Commission for Estate Planning and Administration. Theresa is very active in the Louisiana State and Southwest Louisiana Bar Associations and Foundations. She is past president of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association and the current President of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Foundation. She is a long time member of the Louisiana State Bar Association House of Delegates and is currently serving on its Access to Justice Committee. In addition, Theresa is very active in her community and has helped organize numerous civic and non-profit organizations and she has served as president of the Lake Charles Rotary Club and the Lake Charles Ballet Society.