Author Bios

Nearly to the day Cheryl turned 17, her father dragged her out of the house to the trash, telling her she was trash and wasn’t allowed back inside. This was not the first abuse she suffered at his hands as a child. The neighbors witnessed this horror and called the police, who took her to Child Protection Services, where she waited overnight to be placed. Her time in care included living in two states and seven placements, one being a juvenile detention center because they had no place for her. Two of the foster homes did not work out because the foster mothers were using her for child labor and their sons sexually harassed her. She aged out at age 18. Having been separated from her sibling, who was also in care, Cheryl endured abuse from adults who should have protected her that no child should ever endure. 

Cheryl began her transition into adulthood by applying for FAFSA and, even with only her GED, received a full scholarship at University of Montevallo in Alabama and lived on campus in order not to become homeless. From there she went to Kansas State University, where she majored in Early Childhood Education and, amidst health and other issues, graduated at age 27 in 2011 with a BS degree from the college in Family Studies and Human Services. She continues studying at Harvard Division of Continuing Education. She has an honorary Doctorate degree in Ministry from West Coast Bible College and Seminary. In addition to her academic credits, other credits and/or awards include: Mrs. Lonestar State in 2022, Mrs. Southwest USA Ambassador 2022 with the USA Ambassador Pageant (a public speaking pageant and for women to showcase the good they are doing in the world. Cheryl’s platform was reforming foster care and fostering self-eSTEAM), Executive Producer/Talent, Certified Professional Life Coach and World’s Top Model South 2023 (New York Fashion Week at Model, Runway & Print) and from the White House, she received the Lifetime Presidential Service Award in 2022 and 2023 for her charity work. 

After personally experiencing the challenges faced by youth in foster care, she was deeply moved to make a difference. In 2019, she took a bold step and established the nonprofit organization, FUNdamentals for Foster Care (www.fundfc.org). The primary mission of FUNdamentals for Foster Care is to enhance and stabilize the educational journey of foster youth. Recognizing the vital role of education, FUNdamentals for Foster Care focuses on providing foster youth with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) toys. These engaging and educational toys play a significant role in keeping foster youth actively involved in their learning process, particularly during periods of transition. By utilizing STEAM toys, the organization aims to bridge any educational gaps experienced by foster youth, enabling them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. In addition to the provision of STEAM toys, FUNdamentals for Foster Care has initiated a mentoring career program specifically designed for youth transitioning out of the foster care system. This program offers guidance, support, and mentorship to empower these young individuals as they embark on their journey towards adulthood. 

Through her nonprofit organization, she strives to create a nurturing environment where foster youth can thrive academically and personally. FUNdamentals for Foster Care is dedicated to equipping these resilient individuals with the tools and resources they need to pursue their chosen paths and build successful futures.