Director's Bio

Theresa H. Lyons-Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She is the wife of her wonderful husband; the mother of two beautiful biological children and two bonus daughters through marriage; and is also a grandmother. 

From a very young age, she has been in love with the Arts, especially drama and singing. She has many multi-faceted God-given talents, and has proficiently honed her skills through hands on training and self-development. She began writing poems, short stories, and songs around the age of 8. Throughout her life, she was active on choirs and any auxiliary that included drama in any way.

In 1991, Theresa wrote her first full 7-scene play, and in 1994, she began directing in addition to writing. She has written multiple plays for churches, schools, and other organizations. In addition to writing and directing, She has the gift of exhortation, enabling her to help bring out the gift of acting in others.

Theresa has been actively involved in church since early childhood, and in the 1990’s, she was promoted to serving in ministry on the level of lay-leadership over several ministries (Women’s Ministry, Hospitality, Praise and Worship Leader, Choir Director, Psalmist, Youth Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, Dance Ministry – Choreographer), all while remaining active in the art of drama.

In 2003, she was ordained as a Minister and began preaching, teaching, and speaking motivationally at churches, conferences, and organizations throughout the United States and overseas.  In 2005, Theresa was ordained as an Evangelist and continues to preach, teach, and speak motivationally. 

Theresa has always had a heart of nurturing, true compassion, and empathy for others. Out of that, God birthed in her the gifts of intercessory prayer, insight, and discernment. One of the greatest culminations of those giftings came in 2010, when the vision for “LOAH” (Light On A Hill) and “LOAH LIVE” was birthed in her. 

The scripture that LOAH is founded on is Matthew 5:14-16 (“Ye are the light of the world...“)  

Theresa uses her gifts of writing, teaching, and directing to incorporate drama into the "LOAH Experience" at all LOAH events and presentations. LOAH’s purpose is to enable you to live a life of liberty, free to be your “BEST” AND “WHOLE” You by:

     ** Informing you 

     ** Encouraging you

     ** Empowering you

     ** Uplifting you

     ** Igniting you

The LOAH experience includes drama…inspirational/motivational speaking... conferences...speaking engagements and much, much more. The "LOAH LIVE" platforms that we use include live "in-person" events, social media presentations, streaming...with more to come.

On a personal side, Theresa loves people and people are easily drawn to her; is outgoing but can actually at times be a little shy; is committed, loyal, humorous and loves to laugh; loves children and helping people; can be as silly as serious; has a heart to initiate and guide the healing process for those who struggle with unresolved and deeply-rooted issues; will go to extremes to help those in need and will give the shirt off of her back; is genuine and wants the best for people; is an encourager; has a way of turning negatives to positives; and has a God-given talent to “dramatize” sensitive matters in a way that creates a safe place for healing and recovery. She also loves spending time with family and friends (especially her husband, children/ grands), writing, movies, music, dance, traveling, reading, singing, bowling, seafood, and karaoke.

It is the purpose of Theresa through LOAH, to continue to avail herself completely and totally to the work God has called her to do.