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 a lifeguard and swim instructor at the only pool in my small hometown when I was 15. I was on the swim team for a few years before that, which made the two jobs easier. As a lifeguard, I would spend six to eight hours in the hot summer sun, and while I would get a great tan, some days were 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 little ones from four-month-olds to 12-year-olds and earn some good side income from it.
2. What’s your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is drinking pickle juice. In the summertime, I put the juice into popsicle molds and freeze them for a refreshing snack.
3. What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Please refrain from straightening and damaging your curly hair. Also, don’t get bangs ever again, girl.
4. What’s your favorite movie scene and why?
My favorite movie scene is from the film “La La Land,” specifically when the characters are at the planetarium 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 minor role, but loved the costumes, makeup, and people.
6. What would you name the autobiography of your life?
I would title my autobiography “Midwestern Heart.” Being from Nebraska, I hold personal beliefs in community spirit, humility, and helping others, which likely explains why I’m a social worker today.
7. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
When I’m not at work, I love attending pop-up shops to support local vendors, 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 currently watching are “The Bachelor,” “SWAT,” and “Abbott Elementary,” all of which are quite distinct from one another.
9. Where’s your favorite travel destination and why?
My favorite travel destination is Morocco, Africa. I went in the fall of 2022 and fell in love. The architecture is incredible, the people are incredibly kind, and the scenery is the best I’ve ever seen. I was lucky enough to ride a camel and spend a night in the Sahara Desert. By far one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been.
10. Why is Grant Halliburton Foundation’s mission important to you?
I think it’s important to spread mental health 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 who are in the same place I was.
