Discovering Dr. Tess Hightower
I have always admired people who turn personal challenges into professional strengths. Dr. Tess Hightower stands out as one such figure. Born around 1948 or 1949, she built a life rooted in healing others while cherishing her own family bonds. Her story weaves psychology, performance arts, and deep personal connections into a tapestry of resilience. Over decades she has guided countless couples through rough patches. She has also stepped onto stages both literal and metaphorical. Today at about 77 years old she continues to inspire those who seek balance between career and home.
Early Foundations and Education
Dr. Tess Hightower grew up with a blend of creativity and practicality. She started college focused on drama. Life soon steered her toward psychology. By 1992 she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with concentrations in psychology and communications from Antioch University in Los Angeles. Two years later in 1994 she completed her Master of Arts in clinical psychology at the same institution. In 2000 she received her Doctor of Psychology degree from Ryokan College in Los Angeles. These milestones equipped her with tools to address trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, and relationship dynamics. Her education became the sturdy bridge she crossed to help others.
Family Members and Their Stories
Dr. Tess Hightower’s universe revolves on family. As the tides change, she is my anchor. This full list of known members comes from public sources and family mentions.
Father Gerald Jerry B. Hightower lived from August 13, 1927 until November 30, 2022. He was a painting contractor, welder, and pilot after serving in Okinawa and the Philippines of the U.S. Army. Palm Springs, Indian Wells, and Bermuda Dunes were his longtime residences. He fought cancer for 20 years as an Elks Lodge and Church of Christ member. His 2023 death was commemorated privately.
Mom Elaine Eleanor Edgin Hightower Newton, born March 6, 1931, died October 23, 2014. Her first marriage was to Jerry Hightower, who divorced her in 1965.
Dr. Tess Hightower has 2 siblings. Mike Hightower, born approximately 1950, lives in Holdenville, Oklahoma with Wanda. Palm Springs High School graduated him in 1968. Her sister Cynthia Schmale and husband Ken live in Palm Desert.
She has a daughter, Jennifer Zysk Hightower, from La Quinta, California. Jennifer appears in next-generation family obituaries.
Dr. Tess Hightower stepmothered three children from her husband’s first marriage. Denise Gauthier, an actress, stays close to family. Randy Rand Gautier was in the news in 1995 for an incident. Chrissie, the third child, completes the stepfamily.
At least four grandchildren cross the lines. These include Harmony and Hudson Zysk from Jennifer’s branch and others through Mike’s son Brian and Christine Hightower of Las Vegas. Cynthia’s sons Michael and Kira Schmale of La Quinta and Curtis Schmale of Palm Desert add branches. Extended family includes six great-grandchildren.
Family ties span California, Oklahoma, and beyond. Over decades, love and support have been exchanged.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Los Angeles-based certified marital and family therapist Dr. Tess Hightower began her practice in 1997. She focused on couples counseling, relationship enhancement, sexual problems, trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, parenting, communication, and conflict resolution Her West Hollywood private office served individuals, families, and children until recent postings indicated closure. Previously, she counseled at Maple Counseling.
Next, academia called. She became Ryokan College core faculty. She taught cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, acceptance, couples counseling, group psychotherapy, and clinical procedures. Her classes boosted state license pass rates.
Media opened another door. The ABC reality show The Last Resort featured her as a relationship consultant in 2003. On Cable Radio Network, she presented Dr. Tess Radio from 2004 to 2005. An online dating honesty and human behavior platform included her professional advice in 2010. She made 10 Ways to Take Your Relationship Temperature and How Sexy Are You Really quizzes. These resources gave everyday couples humor, compassion, and clear steps.
Like many in her business, she keeps her finances hidden. Public wealth and large corporate ventures are absent. She maintained her career through teaching and occasional media work like a diligent psychologist.
Personal Milestones and Life Transitions
Marriage marked a pivotal chapter. On December 7 2003 Dr. Tess Hightower wed actor and comedian Dick Gautier. Their union lasted 13 years until his death on January 13 2017 at age 85 from pneumonia after a long illness in Arcadia California. He encouraged her acting and singing. He even gifted her their dog Rudy. She stepped into community theater after his passing. In April 2017 she moved to Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island Washington. There she took the lead role in the play 37 Postcards at Whidbey Playhouse using comedy to process grief. By March 2023 records placed her back in La Quinta California near family.
She has sung publicly including a moving rendition of Motherless Child shared on video. Her early drama major resurfaced in these pursuits blending therapy with performance.
Key Dates in Her Life at a Glance
I organized major events into this clear table for quick reference.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1948 or 1949 | Birth of Dr. Tess Hightower |
| 1965 | Parents divorce |
| 1992 | Bachelor of Arts Antioch University Los Angeles |
| 1994 | Master of Arts clinical psychology Antioch University Los Angeles |
| 1997 | Starts licensed marriage and family therapist private practice in Los Angeles |
| 2000 | Doctor of Psychology Ryokan College Los Angeles |
| December 7 2003 | Marries Dick Gautier |
| 2003 | Appears on ABC The Last Resort |
| 2004 to 2005 | Hosts Dr. Tess Radio |
| 2010 | Contributes relationship advice online |
| January 13 2017 | Dick Gautier passes away |
| April 2017 | Moves to Oak Harbor Washington stars in 37 Postcards |
| November 30 2022 | Father Jerry Hightower passes |
| March 2023 | Listed in La Quinta California family obituary |
These dates highlight steady progress amid personal shifts.
Theater Passion and Later Years
After 2017 Dr. Tess Hightower embraced community stages. Theater became her metaphor for healing. Just as scripts resolve conflicts her roles helped her navigate loss. Singing performances kept her voice alive in public forums. She maintains low public visibility now yet her influence lingers through former students clients and family.
FAQ
Who is Dr. Tess Hightower professionally?
Dr. Tess Hightower is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Doctor of Psychology degree. She specializes in couples work trauma recovery and communication skills. She taught at Ryokan College hosted a radio show and appeared on reality television. Her career spans more than 25 years of private practice and education.
How many family members does Dr. Tess Hightower have?
She has parents two siblings one daughter three stepchildren at least four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Her immediate family circle includes her late father Jerry her late mother Elaine brother Mike sister Cynthia and daughter Jennifer. Stepchildren Denise Randy and Chrissie connect through her 2003 marriage.
When did Dr. Tess Hightower marry and what happened next?
She married Dick Gautier on December 7 2003. Their marriage endured until his death on January 13 2017. He supported her creative side and the couple shared 13 years together.
What are Dr. Tess Hightowers main career achievements?
She earned three degrees between 1992 and 2000. She ran a successful Los Angeles practice starting in 1997. She taught advanced therapy courses at Ryokan College. Media roles in 2003 and 2004 to 2005 plus her relationship tools reached wide audiences. Her work helped shape how many approach love and healing.
Where has Dr. Tess Hightower lived over the years?
She spent decades in Los Angeles building her practice. In April 2017 she relocated to Oak Harbor Washington for theater and reflection. By March 2023 she returned to the La Quinta California area near family roots in Palm Desert and Palm Springs.
Does Dr. Tess Hightower have a connection to acting or singing?
Yes. She majored in drama early on. Her late husband encouraged these talents. She performed lead roles in community theater in 2017 and shared singing videos including Motherless Child. Performance remains a vivid thread in her life.
What can we learn from Dr. Tess Hightowers family legacy?
Her family spans generations across states. It shows how one person can hold multiple roles as therapist mother stepmother and grandmother. Their stories of service education and creativity echo through obituaries and public mentions. She models balancing professional expertise with personal devotion.
