Teresa Kitchens is the founder and driving force behind The Sterling Insurance Group, an independent insurance agency built on the belief that insurance should feel personal, understandable, and grounded in genuine care for people.

With more than two decades in the industry, Teresa has dedicated her career to helping families and business owners protect what matters most—while making the process clear, supportive, and approachable.

She specializes in Home, Auto, Commercial, and Group Health insurance, giving her a broad perspective that allows her to serve both individuals and businesses with confidence and clarity. In March of 2026, Teresa achieved her CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation, further strengthening her technical knowledge and commitment to professional excellence.

Teresa launched The Sterling Insurance Group as a scratch agency in 2003 with a simple vision: create an agency that treats clients like neighbors, not policy numbers. Over the years, that vision has grown into a thriving virtual agency serving clients across multiple states, supported by a distributed team that shares her commitment to service, accountability, and heart.

She is known for blending strong business strategy with deep empathy. Teresa believes insurance is not just about policies and premiums, but about listening to people’s stories, understanding their risks, and guiding them toward smart decisions that bring confidence and peace of mind. Her leadership style focuses on culture, collaboration, and empowering her team to operate with autonomy while delivering a high level of care to every client.

Her influence reaches well beyond her own agency. Teresa served as Chair of the Circle of Excellence with SIAA from 2020 to 2021, where she helped recognize and support top-performing independent agencies across the country. She also created Women of IAOA, a community initiative designed to connect, encourage, and elevate women within the independent agency space.

Teresa is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, including IAOA and IndieTech, where she shares practical insights on agency growth, leadership, technology, and culture. In addition, she hosts the podcast “Power Women in Insurance,” highlighting women who are breaking barriers and building meaningful careers in the industry.

Mentorship and community are central to her mission, and she actively participates in professional groups and small business networks to share knowledge and lift others up.

As a wife, mother, and business owner, Teresa understands firsthand the importance of balance, resilience, and adaptability. Her agency reflects those values by combining modern technology and remote accessibility with the human touch that defines great service.

Today, The Sterling Insurance Group continues to grow through referrals and long-term relationships—a testament to Teresa’s belief that when you lead with integrity, clarity, and compassion, success follows naturally. Her mission remains the same as the day she began: to make insurance easier, more transparent, and more supportive for every person and business she serves.