Over the course of the last fifty years and despite her mental illness, Teresa has raised three children with the help of her current husband, has been honored with the status of grandma to two beautiful grandbabies. She has lived in seven different states – California being her birth state, Idaho her current state, and Oregon her forever home. She enjoys writing and other creative endeavors. Each spring she plots to grow flowers or vegetables trying to keep them alive.  Mental health awareness campaigns have been on the rise the past few years. But she feels that, while the work is good, awareness alone won’t relieve the stigma. It takes understanding, and the people who can truly foster the understanding are those who suffer from mental illness. We have to tell our stories without fear, without shame. This is My Brave fulfills that role.

Teresa shares her story in the This Is My Brave Boise 2018 show.