She graduated from Old Dominion University with a bachelors degree in Psychology and has put in time towards a masters degree in mythology. In 1985 after years of spiritual investigation, she had an epiphany regarding the angels, after coming across an old Scottish saying: "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." This set off an intense interest in angels and the realization that angels don't exist only for dramatic rescues, the angels are with us all the time.

She began writing about her observations regarding the role angels play as spiritual helpers in our everyday life, and this was the beginning of a major life transformation. Terry set out to find a book that would help her attract the angels into her life. Not finding one, she decided to write one herself. Messengers of Light was published in 1990 and became one of the first books to start off a widespread interest in angels that is still guiding the lives of many today.

She is currently living in an arts colony on the edge of Los Angeles County, with her husband and two cats, hosting music salons and art openings.