Theresa grew up in Southwest Washington with the Cascade volcanoes in her backyard, but it wasn’t until finishing grad school that she started climbing. Her first time using an ice axe and walking in crampons was actually during a Timberline Mountain Guides steep snow clinic in 2016! Since that first foray, Theresa has had the privilege of climbing throughout the Cascades, as well as the Tetons, High Sierra, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Her favorite mountain, as well as the place that has contributed the most to her personal growth as a climber, is by and far Mount Hood, which she has climbed several dozen times by a number of routes since her first summit in 2016.
Theresa began guiding in 2021, co-leading mountain and alpine rock leadership courses for the non-profit organization Climbers of Color, for whom she is now the Assistant Mountaineering Director. Prior to guiding, she worked for 15+ years as a music educator and enjoys bringing her extensive teaching experience into her work as a mountain guide, helping clients and students develop the skills to pursue their alpine climbing goals. Outside of guiding and personal climbing, Theresa also volunteers as a member of Portland Mountain Rescue.