Teresa Reese

Teresa Reese | Author • Speaker • Visionary of “A Strongwilled Mind”

In 2009, I received a life-changing diagnosis — a tumor was located beneath my brain stem. 

18 months later, I made the courageous decision to undergo brain surgery. What was expected to be a single procedure quickly turned into two major surgeries within five days of one another in December 2011.

Through unwavering faith in God and the steadfast support of my loved ones, I not only survived both surgeries but experienced a miraculous healing that changed the course of my life. Just ten days after my operations, I attended church service in a wheelchair, determined to give God all the glory. 

In the midst of worship, I heard a divine voice declare, “You are whole.” 

In that moment, I rose from my wheelchair and ran around the church which was a size of a football field— a miracle that left me and everyone in attendance in awe. I walked out that night without assistance, never needing a walker or wheelchair again.

Soon after, while speaking to a congregation, God spoke through me once more, revealing that “a book will be birthed from this experience.” 

Three years later, that prophecy came into fruition with the publication of my debut poetry collection, A Strong-Willed Mind: Healing Scars Over Time Through My Poetry.

Since then, I have been recognized as “Author of the Year” (February 2016) by The Secret Place Book Club.  February 17, 2018, I was voted "Author of Choice" by the International Segway, and I have been a judge twice with this organization.

Over the years, my books have reached the hands of well-known comedians and entertainers including Bill Bellamy, TK Kirkland, EJ Speaks, KevOnStage, Bruce Bruce, John Witherspoon (RIP), Lisa Nichols, and more. In fact, American Photographer, Eunique Jones Gibson, who is best known for, "Because of Them, We Can" also owns an autographed copy of Teresa's novel. 

I have since expanded my vision into a full lifestyle brand, A Strongwilled Mind Store, featuring apparel, affirmations, and inspirational resources designed to empower others through faith and perseverance.

In 2017, I faced yet another challenge — a recurrence of the brain tumor growing back. 

Yet, true to my resilient spirit, I have continued to write. Post receiving this disheartening news, I penned my first novel, Perfect Illusions of Love, as a creative escape and testament to my strength and resilience.

As of November 13, 2025, I am the proud author of seven published works — including four additional books and one affirmation journal — all born from my faith, purpose, and desire to inspire others to keep believing in themselves no matter the obstacles.

It is believed that “A Strongwilled Mind” is more than a brand — it is a lifestyle of faith in action. 

I will continue to walk boldly in my divine purpose, encouraging dreamers everywhere to trust God’s timing and power.

“My faith in God has brought me this far, and I believe it will take me farther than eyes have seen or ears have heard. God is just getting started with me.”

— Teresa Reese