Teresse is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who also holds a credential in School Social Work (PPSC) from the University of Southern California (USC). Teresse is passionate about the welfare of youth and families.

As the Executive Director of The Empowerment Center – a non-profit resilience-building center in Temecula, CA, she brings over 15 years of experience of providing therapeutic and evidence-based interventions on behalf of some of society’s most vulnerable populations, including children in foster care and residential treatment, youth impacted by severe mental health disorders, and families involved in the child welfare court system. Teresse has been instrumental in implementing and expanding an award-winning student assistance program while also training and consulting school districts and community-based organizations on effective service to this population.

As the 2021 TEDx speaker on building resilience in children, it is Teresse’s greatest heart’s desire to empower every adult to know that they have an opportunity to change the trajectory of a child’s life.

Teresse is a wife, mommy of four beautiful boys and enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with her family.