Theresa Aragon de Shepro holds degrees from Seattle University, the University of Washington, and the University of New Mexico. In 1970 she began teaching at the University of Washington as a part-time, pre-doctoral lecturer in arts and sciences. Between 1971 and 1975 she was a lecturer in the political science department. She also served as interim director of Chicano Studies in 1971 and as vice-provost for Special Programs and associate director of the Division of Urban and Regional Affairs from 1971 to 1975. In 1975 Shepro joined the School of Social Work, first as a lecturer, and then in 1978 as assistant professor. In June 1981 she left the University of Washington.

Theresa de Shepro was active in Chicano and Mexican-American affairs both on and off campus during her time at the University of Washington. In 1970 she was appointed to the Washington State Governor's Advisory Committee on Mexican American Affairs, a position she held until 1971. In that year she was appointed to the newly created Washington State Commission on Mexican American Affairs, served as chairperson until 1972, and continued as a member until 1973. The commission advised state departments and agencies about providing needed assistance to Mexican Americans. Shepro was also active in Centro de la Raza, Seattle (steering committee, 1973), the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (board member, circa 1975-1978), Equal Opportunity for Spanish Speaking Americans (vice-chair, 1971), the Chicano Education Association, and Active Mexicanos Economic Development Center, Seattle.

After 1978, Theresa de Shepro was known as Theresa Valdez.