T.C. was born in San Francisco, California but grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. T.C. is one of 8 kids in her family. T.C.'s mother encouraged her to go into acting. T.C. first acting job was in Silverado but her role ended up on the cutting-room floor. T.C. study at Stephens College in New Mexico. T.C. moved to New York on her own.

T.C. won a Soap Opera Digest award on Feb. 28, 1997 for best young female newcomer for her role on All My Children as Kelsey Jefferson.