Terry Menefee Gau was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She got her start on stage when she was four-years-old in a flannel-board production of "The Nativity," wherein she introduced the character Caesar Augustus. She became an active member of her high school drama club and acted in many performances.

Terry attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. After a stint working in engineering and then human resources at a local electric company, she entered Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, where she earned her Masters of Divinity and Masters of Arts in Christian Education, focusing in Narrative and Film Theology. During her seminary years, she rediscovered her love for acting and expanded her stage experience to on-camera talent as well. She is ordained in the Baptist tradition, though she is now a member of the Episcopal Church due to their stance in favor of inclusivity.

In addition to acting and directing, Terry is an accomplished writer. A proud member of the Virginia Screenwriters Forum, she has a number of scripts under her belt and has won or placed in several screenwriting competitions, including First Place for TV Drama in the Cannes Screenwriting Contest for her TV Pilot, "Unplugged." She also writes sermons, essays, and academic works that can be found on her blog, "A Rage for Explaining."

Terry also co-produces the podcast, "Outlander Soul," with her friend and colleague Dr. Jayme Reaves. The podcast reflects on the "Outlander" book and television series through a theological, religious. and spiritual lens.