Teresa was brought up in a mining village and was the fourth of six children. She loved school and had great fun, but didn't take life seriously or start studying until she was in her thirties and had two children. She has been married for 32 years and has three lovely grandchildren. Apart from writing and being with the grandchildren Teresa likes to spend her spare time playing tennis, gardening or socialising with friends.

Teresa has a degree in Psychology and Social Policy and qualified as a social worker in 2001. After eight years of working in a children and families team, she started working in the disabled children’s team, before becoming a manager. She now work part time as an Independent Reviewing Officer, chairing reviews for children who are in foster care. Her role is to ensure that the local authority is providing adequate care for the children and all their needs are being met. Teresa’s political stance is towards social justice and equality of opportunities and she strongly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential in life