Born in Houston, Texas, after graduating high school Teri, studied and worked at The Dallas Theatre Center, in Dallas, Texas. Moving to Austin, Texas, in 1971, the young actress attended the University of Texas and St Edwards University. It was in Austin, she was discovered by director, Hooper, and producer, Henkle, after seeing an article about her in the local newspaper. After auditioning, Teri was chosen for the part, Hooper and Henkle, and was offered her the role of "Pam" in their film project. It was a hot, grueling shoot, fraught with all the wrinkles low budget films incur, twice shutting down filming entirely. Simultaneously, Teri worked in local theater. After the film's 1974 release, she studied acting in Los Angeles and New York. Doors opened as a a leg and foot model in commercials and print work while continuing stage work.

Was a local actress in Texas when she landed the role of Pam in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre".