Teresa Courtemanche

WORK HISTORY

SKILLS

ABOUT TERESA COURTEMANCHE

Teresa Courtemanche currently serves as president of The Matt Garcia Foundation, a non-profit organization that she helped found in honor of her son, Matt Garcia, who was one of the youngest city councilmen in the history of California. When Matt was senselessly murdered in 2008 after only 10 months in office, it ignited a passion in Teresa to help stop the senseless violence that is a scourge in so many of our cities and towns. The Matt Garcia Foundation is entirely run by volunteers who have a mission to empower youth, reduce crime, and strengthen the community. In addition to Teresa’s work with the Foundation, she has worked for Kaiser Permanente for over sixteen years. She has also been a small business owner. She is married to the love of her life, Raymond, and has two amazing adult daughters, Briana and TeaRae. Teresa is a dynamic speaker and has served as a mentor for many years in the recovery community. She has been substance free for over 25 years. She is also a survivor of domestic violence and has worked with other women who have dealt with abuse. Teresa is often sought out as a source of inspiration and comfort by other families that have dealt with the horrific grief of having a family member murdered. She currently helps facilitate a grief support group. Teresa is a proven leader in her community and actively collaborates with many of the city’s political leaders and non-profit organizations to bring about change. One of her favorite quotes is by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” It is her personal mission statement to model the power of perseverance with hope and inspiration everywhere.