Teresa Lively

Teresa Lively, M.S., has had a lifelong appreciation for the power and magic of words. This regard for words extended into her love of the Spanish language that developed during the 2 years she resided in Mexico as a child and again as a teenager. She can recall her struggles when first confronted with a new language and how these difficulties precluded communication with peers and completion of her schoolwork. She remembers equally well the satisfaction she experienced as her ability to...See more

Teresa Lively, M.S., has had a lifelong appreciation for the power and magic of words. This regard for words extended into her love of the Spanish language that developed during the 2 years she resided in Mexico as a child and again as a teenager. She can recall her struggles when first confronted with a new language and how these difficulties precluded communication with peers and completion of her schoolwork. She remembers equally well the satisfaction she experienced as her ability to understand and communicate increased. As part of this natural progression, during a 14-year bilingual teaching career, Ms. Lively realized that children's academic success is greatly influenced by the breadth and depth of their vocabulary knowledge. Therefore, in her classroom she emphasized learning the meanings of new words while encouraging both native English speakers and English language learners to develop a curiosity and appreciation for vocabulary. Ms. Lively resides on the California coast. She enjoys spending time with her husband, who supports her passions and keeps her laughing, two wonderful grown children, and loyal friends who encourage her life journey. She is currently completing a doctoral program in clinical psychology. See less