Tere Mathern's choreography leans toward the architectural, combining abstract forms and spatial awareness with fluid, forceful momentum. Ongoing practice in the Alexander Technique, and Laban/Bartenieff Movement Theory continue to be important influences in her work.

Described by Dance Magazine as as “lucid, limpid, and smart” showcasing “intuitive, elegant partnering,” Mathern's choreography often incorporates images or text such as that developed for her 1998 work ReMember, or the plant images projected for her 1999 Evidence of Division. Her work emphasizes patterns of movement that spin out from a conceptual framework, as in her 2000 work night, day, & the golden hour, providing for a visual understanding and visceral response.

Mathern has been professionally involved in contemporary dance for over 18 years as a performer, choreographer, and educator. She holds an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Modern & Contemporary Dance from New York University, and a Certification in Movement Analysis (C.M.A.) from the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York.

Returning from NYC to Portland, Oregon in 1997, Mathern became a Conduit core artist and teacher, acting as its executive director for 1998/99 and currently serves as it's co-artistic director. A former Assistant Professor of Dance at Portland State University, she has taught and/or performed in various venues throughout the U.S. including in Seattle, San Diego, Anchorage, Portsmouth NH, Madison WI, New York, Denison University, OH, Reed College, OR, and as assistant faculty for the Laban/Bartenieff certification programs at the Laban Institute in NYC and at Mills College, CA.

In 2002/03 Mathern began working with current members of her company, Tere Mathern Dance. She has received support for her work from the Oregon Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, and PSU's former Contemporary Dance Season, the Metropolitan Arts Commission, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council. She was guest artist during Reed Arts Week 2002, is ongoing faculty at Conduit, and recently received a Professional Development Grant from the City of Portland’s Artistic Economy Initiative.