Teresa earned her law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Science with an emphasis on Women Studies and a minor in Political Science from San Jose State University. In college, Teresa was extremely active in advocacy. She took different leadership positions in student organizations such as Student Advocates for Higher Education (SAHE), Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA), and Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA). Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked as a legal advocate at Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence. She also worked as case manager at the domestic violence shelters at Support Network and Community Solutions.

As an immigrant survivor of domestic violence with a hidden disability, Teresa understands the challenges immigrant survivors of crime face. Teresa is passionate about social justice. She is the founder of End DV Counseling and Consulting, and Co-founder of Construyendo Futuros, programs dedicated to preventing teen dating abuse. During her spare time, Teresa likes to go camping and paddle boarding. She stays engaged in learning about her indigenous roots by participating in Aztec dancing and ceremonies.