Teresa, daughter of Robert and Greta Hill, grew up in South Oceanside alongside her twin brother Robert James Jr., and siblings Michele Verrett, and Paul Hill. She attended South Oceanside Elementary, Lincoln Middle, and Oceanside High School, where she was actively involved in various activities, including marching band, ASB, gymnastics, swimming, field hockey and cheerleading. After graduation, Teresa enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist. She earned numerous awards during her service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Commendation Medal. While on active duty, Teresa earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. She was selected as a Professional Military Education Instructor, attending the Military Instructor Course in Alabama, where her passion for teaching began. Following 14 years of service in the Air Force, Teresa returned to Oceanside to pursue a teaching career. She earned a teaching credential in Special Education and a Master's Degree in Special Education. She was the Special Education Department Chair and coached cheerleading at OHS. Earning a third Master's Degree in Education Leadership, she eventually became an Assistant Principal and then Principal of OHS. One of her significant accomplishments as Principal was transforming OHS into a pivotal evacuation site during the 2017 Lilac Fires, sheltering over 500 evacuees. She also implemented several career pathways, bringing project-based learning and work-based learning experiences to hundreds of students, ensuring true college and career readiness. Teresa is married to Jeremy Collis, and they have two children, Wyatt and Makenzie, both graduates of OHS. Teresa dedicates her time to supporting and expanding career pathway opportunities in the Oceanside Unified School District, securing grant funding to provide high-quality experiences for the youth of Oceanside.