Cheryl is a long time resident of Olympia, having moved here with her family as an elementary school student. She graduated from Olympia High School and attended the University of Washington graduating with a BA in Art. She undertook graduate work in urban planning and design also at UW. After an exploratory museum studies seminar at the Evergreen State College, Cheryl went on to complete the Certificate Program in Museum Studies from UW Extension.
Cheryl had a long career with the State of Washington. During her 40-year tenure she worked as a program manager in a variety of programs including public art, early childhood education, affordable housing development and homeless housing solutions for youth and families.
Currently Cheryl is active on the Eastside Neighborhood Association board and worked intensively with several neighbors to write the Eastside Neighborhood Subarea Plan for the City of Olympia. She lived in the Bigelow neighborhood for 27 years and served as a board member (including two years as president) for the Bigelow Neighborhood Association.
One of Cheryl’s most memorable volunteer efforts was working with a small group of diverse Olympia residents to plan and execute the annual Olympia Pie Fest. Over 10 years the group generated thousands of dollars for the Thurston County Food Bank and Senior Nutrition Program.