Originally from Texas, Theresa moved to Chicago in 1980 after earning a music degree from Indiana University. She performed in Chicago blues clubs with various big bands and jazz groups. Moving to Santa Rosa in 1989, she played with Kathy Slack and the Cadillacs. Discovering that she liked singing lead over playing the trumpet, she auditioned for the Poyntlyss Sistars and debuted with the band in March 2000.