Theresa grew up in Silver Spring and was fully included both at St. John the Evangelist Elementary School and at the Academy of the Holy Cross High School. She was active in the Special Olympics and in theater, performing in nearly every production at the Academy while she was there, most memorably…Sister Act.

Theresa decided to go to Vanderbilt University In Nashville to attend their Next Steps program. She lived independently in an off- campus apartment and had a wide range of internships. She had the opportunity to rotate through 4 different offices of the Tennessee State Government, including the Governor’s Office. She earned a certificate of apprenticeship in early Childhood Education, graduating in 2022.

Theresa is now employed by the National Children’s Museum in Washington DC as a Museum Experience associate. She is also the 1st self advocate ambassador for CCSE, the Catholic Coalition for Special Education, advocating for the inclusion of students with disabilities in Catholic schools. This spring Theresa will become a member of the St. Joseph’s House Board of Directors.

Theresa loves being an aunt to her 3 nieces and 2 nephews and loves to travel. Over the past year she has been to Florida, Tennessee, Ireland, Singapore and Vietnam.

Theresa is very excited to be involved with Tribute 21, which supports so many wounderful organizations that have been important to her.