The youngest of five children, Teresa's spent her childhood moving several times between England and Australia. She found it difficult to make friends and did not enjoy school. Because of this, in an effort to protect her, Teresa's mother allowed her to stay home from school whenever she wanted to. Teresa felt that she was overprotected in other ways during her childhood and younger adulthood, not only by her parents, both of whom partied and drank, but by her older siblings. During her marriage, suffering from depression and anxiety, Teresa finally found her way to Al-Anon, where the kindness and support of other members set her on the path to a more enjoyable life both at work and within her family.