Meet Theresa, Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Community Support Resources Coordinator.
Originally from Nebraska, Theresa holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. Her professional background includes case management with immigrant families, teaching adult ESL, and working with children. Theresa is deeply passionate about making a positive impact through social work, fostering meaningful relationships, and promoting mental health awareness. At the Foundation, she facilitates mental health support groups for both English- and Spanish-speaking mothers. She is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming space where mothers can connect, build community, and speak openly about mental health without stigma.
Here are 10 things to know about Theresa!
1. What was your first job?
My first job was being a lifeguard and swim instructor at the only pool in my small hometown at the age of 15 years old. I did swim team for a few years prior which made it easier to do the two jobs. As a lifeguard I would spend 6-8 hours in the hot summer sun and would get super tan! But some days it would be extremely boring when there were no swimmers in the water. At one point I taught myself to say the ABCs backwards. I would teach swim lessons to littles from 4-month-olds all the way to 12 years old and made some good side income from it.
2. What’s your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is drinking pickle jar juice. In the summertime, I put the juice into popsicle molds and freeze them to have as a refreshing snack.
3. What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Please don’t damage and straighten your curly hair!! And don’t get bangs ever again girl.
4. What’s your favorite movie scene and why?
My favorite movie scene is in the film La La Land, when they are at the Planetarium. It was filmed at the Griffith Observatory. The music is stunning. The couple (Mia and Sebastia) twirl around dancing and are captured within a flurry of galaxies and stars as they are lifted in a dream- like sequence representing their hopes and dreams.
5. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
In high school, I was a band and theatre kid. I was a die-hard bass clarinet player… to the point where I sobbed when I performed in my last marching band show. As for theatre, I usually played a smaller role, but loved the costumes, makeup, and people.
6. What would you name the autobiography of your life?
I would name the autobiography of my life “Midwestern Heart” …Being from Nebraska, I have personal beliefs of community spirit, humility, and helping others- which likely explains why I am a social worker today.
7. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
When I am not at work, I love attending pop up shops and supporting local venders, spending time with my partner and friends, and playing tennis.
8. What are the top three TV shows you’re watching right now?
The top three TV shows I’m watching right now are the following: The Bachelor, SWAT, Abbott Elementary (all very different from each other).
9. Where’s your favorite travel destination and why?
My favorite travel destination is Morrocco, Africa. I went in fall of 2022 and fell in love. The architecture is incredible, the people are extremely kind, and the scenery was the best I’d ever seen. I was lucky enough to ride a camel and spend a night in the Sahara Desert. By far one of the coolest places, I’ve ever been.
10. Why is Grant Halliburton Foundation’s mission important to you?
I think it is so important to spread awareness and guide people to the help they need while breaking down stigma at the same time. I believe mental health education should be accessible to everyone of all ages, sharing information is an incredible thing. As a survivor of a near suicide attempt, I look back at what I went through and am driven to do everything I can to help people that are in the same place I was.
