Theresa loves supporting students on their journey to and through college. She has a variety of professional higher education experiences including in admissions, financial aid, athletics and organizational development. Theresa has been employed at large, public, research institutions (The University of Michigan, North Carolina State University and Virginia Commonwealth University) along with community college experience to understand the transfer process.

Theresa earned her B.B.A. in Finance and Communications from Eastern Michigan University. She returned and received her M.A. in Higher Education Administration. Theresa is currently finishing her doctoral degree in Education. She has several certifications as a life coach, soft skills trainer and career development facilitator. She maintains active membership with the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

As a higher education professional, Theresa has received a number of awards. At Virginia Commonwealth University, she received a Staff Recognition Award (2013, 2014), was nominated for the Presidential Award for Community Multicultural Enrichment (2016). Upon returning to The University of Michigan, Theresa received the Office of Enrollment Management Leadership Summit Award (2019).

Theresa is a sought-after speaker taking her show on the road as well as being a local speaker. In 2015 and 2016, Theresa was a panelist for the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. She has been a keynote speaker for Golightly’s National Technical Honor Society (2019), National Honor Society at Harper Woods High School (2019) and Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling (2020). In addition to being a speaker and panelist, Theresa is a passionate advocate for equity, which began early in her career representing The University of Michigan meeting with members of Senate about the financial aid process and changes to the FAFSA that were later changed to be more inclusive.

Theresa founded Coach TCry Consulting, LLC. in 2020. The goal as an independent college advisor is to build relationships with students and families as they navigate the process of discovery with major selection, college fit and making financially sound decisions. Theresa works to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the process. Theresa enjoys traveling to various campuses so that she is providing real life experiences when discussing them with families.