Elizabeth Thomas-Tad Cummins Update: Teen Allegedly Kidnapped By Ex-Teacher Gets Counseling After Being Found

The family of Tennessee teen Elizabeth Thomas, who was found last week after being allegedly kidnapped by ex-teacher Tad Cummins, said she is being counseled by “some of the best [professionals] in the country.” Elizabeth is currently recovering at an undisclosed location.

“And she needs love over anything else. Love is what’s going to heal her,” 15-year-old Elizabeth’s older sister Kat Bozeman told People magazine in an interview Wednesday. “We’re going to show her we love her unconditionally.”

Elizabeth was found April 20 in Northern California along with 50-year-old Cummins, who was a health science teacher at her Culleoka Unit School in Maury County. Cummins was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and having sexual contact with the minor.

After being reunited with her family, Elizabeth has been given her space, according to her father Anthony Thomas.

“You can tell something’s a little different, and I’m not going to press it. I’m just glad to have her back,” Thomas told People. “I have to let the counselors work with her. I’ve got to let them do their job, because I want this to turn out the right way. She’s been through a difficult experience — something you don’t find every day, a very uncommon experience. So I have to sit back and let these professionals do their job and take their recommendations.”

On Monday, Elizabeth’s family told CNN’s “Primetime Justice” that the teen is suffering from panic attacks and is jittery.

“There are times where she's curled up in the middle of the floor crying and shaking and having panic attacks,” Elizabeth's sister-in-law, Danielle Thomas.

On the same day, a California federal court judge approved a request to transfer Cummins to Tennessee where he faces multiple charges, including knowingly transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity. This charge carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.