Biography
"I'm living proof that you can do anything, if you just use your head."
Since her father taught her how to stand on her head as a child, Cheryl has seen the world differently.
Her hardworking ironworker father fueled her lifelong pursuit of personal excellence, while her five brothers and sisters encouraged competition. A cherished relationship with her mother ignited an enduring affinity for The Wizard of Oz and, like Dorothy, Cheryl dreamt of another place: running away to join the circus as a star of the flying trapeze.
She never made it, but she got close, landing in Hollywood as a champion on American Gladiators (which was a lot like being in the circus). And she's been chasing—and catching—dreams ever since!
Nothing has stopped her—not even a severe, genetic speech impediment and a childhood marred by mockery and feelings of inadequacy. It wasn't until college, when a chance meeting with a perfect stranger bearing a gift changed the course of things to come. That's when Cheryl realized she didn't have a speech impediment; she had a "life" impediment. So, she made a choice: the choice to change. It may have been the day she first became a champion.
Today, as a speaker, Cheryl captures the hearts and minds of her audience and magically transports them on her eclectic entrepreneurial journey, from her own backyard to Hollywood, The Home Shopping Network...and more!
Hear the inspiring story of how she raised nearly $3 million in venture capital as executive producer and star of the 13-time national award-winning children's film, Adventures in Oz with Cheryl™. "Not bad for a girl who," according to Jon Miner, founder of the Judy Garland Children's Museum, "couldn't even say her name."
Cheryl's Journey to Oz:
- American Gladiators
On Hollywood's first reality TV show, Cheryl won the coveted Alumni Championship title
- Adventures in Oz with Cherylâ„¢
Cheryl is the executive producer, creator and star of this children's DVD series which has garnered 13 national awards
- The Home Shopping Network
Cheryl earned a rare invitation to act as the on-air spokesperson for her Adventures in Oz with Cherylâ„¢ DVD program
- The Body Perfect by Cheryl
For ten years, Cheryl was the creator, executive producer and host of this Telly Award-winning educational fitness television show
- University of Indianapolis, School of Business
Former Assistant Professor of Sports Marketing, Sales, Personal Selling and Marketing
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Former Executive Director of the Indiana Chapter
- Cheryl's School of Dance
Former Owner and Head Instructor of a gymnastics and tap dancing studio
- Ovar'coming Together
Former Board Member and Chairman of the Speaker's Bureau to teach the symptoms, risk factors and tests for ovarian cancer
Recognition:
- Hollywood Film Advisory Board
Award of Excellence
- Dove Family Foundation
Five-Star Rating
- Kids First!
Coalition for Quality Children's Media
- Yellowstone Film Festival
Grand Geyser Award
- Top 150 Most Influential Valpo People
One of 150 alumni chosen at Valparaiso University to celebrate 150 years as an institution
- Telly Award
Excellence in television production and programming
- President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports
Community Leadership Award
- The Spirit of Oz Day!
Proclamation by the Mayor of the City of Indianapolis
- Difference Makers International
Spark of Greatness Award
- Indianapolis Business Journal
40 Under Forty
- Indiana Jaycees
Outstanding Young Hoosier Award
- National Press
The Home Shopping Network, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Press News Syndicate, Knight Ridder News Service, Parenting magazine, Chicago's Superstation WGN-TV, Indianapolis
network affiliates NBC-TV, ABC-TV, CBS-TV...and more
Education:
- University of Massachusetts
M.S. in Sports Management
- Valparaiso University
B.S. in Business Administration
- Hobart Senior High School
Salutatorian