Meet Teresa
Life is a journey filled with many pathways to possible destinations. As you pursue the long paths don’t forget to enjoy the moments. Remember to stop and smell the roses, gaze at the sunsets, dance in the moonlight, take joy in the sunrises, embrace laughter, cry to release, re-center with mindful meditation, and find strength in hopefulness, peace in gratefulness, solace in love and fulfillment in service. Never be too proud to apologize, too scared to love or lack the courage to let go when necessary. Celebrate successes and take advantage of the learning opportunities in failures. Walk tall. Persevere in the face of diversity. Reflect on the past. Live in the present. Grow into your future.
Teresa Patton
PERSONAL
Teresa lives in Van Buren Township with her husband, Lamont, and three of their six children. She also has two beautiful grandchildren. She places priority on spending quality time with her family, church family and friends. She is very active and spends her leisure time singing, roller skating, dancing, camping, hiking, enjoying good food, and engaging in fitness and yoga. She focuses on seeking wholeness in each aspect of her being: mind, body and spirit, and encourages others to do the same.
The Patton children, young and old, are very active in school and community sporting and outreach activities and she and her husband are front and center for it all. They both serve as coaches, mentors, den leaders and helpers for as much of it as possible.
Teresa is the second child of Minster Terrance and Mary McClain. She shares a bond with each of her three siblings and her parents that has been a huge support along her personal, educational and career journeys. The value of family and community was stressed in their upbringing and has carried over into her adult life. She cherishes her family and is grateful to be blessed to be a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to all who are in her life.
Teresa is also active in her church community and serves in several ministry areas spelled out below. Each endeavor is an opportunity to give back.
Teresa has been an attorney for 24 years and has dedicated her career to public service. She has carried adolescent and spiritual lessons learned in prioritizing people, community, fairness, equality, compassion, virtue, charity, excellence and redemption into her adult life, both personal and professional.
EDUCATION
Bachelor in Business Administration (High Distinction, Angell Scholar, and Maize and Blue Distinguished Scholarship Recipient) University of Michigan
Juris Doctor – Wayne State University
PhD in Political Science, ABD – Wayne State University
COMMUNITY
Teresa enjoys being active in her community. These are a few notable current and past service endeavors.
Lifelong family member of the Church of Christ. Past and present areas of service.
- Bible class teacher
- Youth program worker
- Singing in various choirs
- Children’s choir
- Volunteer for LTC program (Leadership Training for Christ)
- Women’s Ministry
- Marriage Ministry
- Meals for the bereaved and sick and shut ins
Past, present and continuing Commmunity Involvement
- Volunteer attorney at expungement education events
- Volunteer coach with the Westland Comets Football Program where she serves as a field director. She enjoys being on the field with her youth football team and the relationship she shares with the players.
- Cub Scout Den Leader.
- Volunteer cheerleading coach, Metro Charter Academy, Romulus, MI
- Gleaners food distribution
- As a family, we cook, package and distribute food and care packages
- Soup kitchen meal service
- Annual bottle drives for Charity
Romulus Business Owner
Teresa works alongside her husband who has been the proud owner and operator of a Romulus business for 12 years, L&T Firearms Training, Safety and Certification. Courses are offered for obtaining a Concealed Pistol License or a CPL instructor certification. In addition, they offer pistol safety courses to satisfy court probation firearms class requirements and they help church groups and organizations create an active shooter safety plan. One on one courses are also provided. In light of all the accidental home shootings and mass shootings, the education they provide is critical in our communities.
