Therese M. Terlaje

Therese M. Terlaje (born 1964) is an Guamanian politician and attorney serving as a member of the Legislature of Guam. Terlaje was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and assumed office in 2017.

Early life and education

Terlaje was born in Yona, Guam. Terlaje's father was Eduardo Salas Terlaje, a politician. Terlaje's mother was Shirley Ann Coulter Terlaje (1938–2019), a former educator. Terlaje attended the Academy of Our Lady of Guam. Terlaje later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Creighton University and a Juris Doctor from the UCLA School of Law.

Career

After graduating from law school, Terlaje became an attorney. She was also an assistant professor at the University of Guam.

Terlaje was elected to the Guam Legislature in 2016 and assumed office in 2017. In the Legislature, Terlaje is the chair of the Committee on Health, Tourism, Historic Preservation, Land and Justice. She previously served as the chair of the Committee on Culture and Justice. During the 34th legislative session, Terlaje served as vice speaker.

Personal life

Terlaje has three daughters: Maria, Rita and Arisa Barcinas.