About Cheri

Before becoming a Celebrant, my career was primarily focused on teaching and counseling in a college setting. For 30 years I counseled students and community members on a variety of career and personal issues. In addition, I taught personal development classes such as career decision-making and communication skills training.

I was also a pioneer in the area of women and body image: I created and taught a course on body image in 1981 before it came to the national and international attention it has since received. I published two books on this topic, Nothing to Lose and Live Large! (Gurze Books), and consequently I encountered a variety of experiences speaking to the public in both print and broadcast media. I’ve made hundreds of presentations to audiences of all types and ran retreats for larger women in the Chicago area.

When I took early retirement and moved to Florida with my husband, I began looking for ways to continue to be of service. I started volunteering with hospice as a facilitator for their bereavement groups. I added volunteer work and board membership with a local environmental group that works to protect and preserve the Indian River Lagoon Estuary through educational programs. I loved doing all these things (and still do), but when I was asked to officiate at a friend’s baby welcoming I knew this was my next career!

Being a Certified Celebrant is a natural extension of my life’s work as an educator, counselor, author and public speaker. I believe that telling our stories is a powerful way to connect and heal, and that deep listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.

As a counselor I understand that life gives us opportunities to grow and change, even if we do not want to! As a Celebrant I understand that ceremony is a way to positively embrace change. In creating a personalized ceremony for you, I will listen deeply to your stories as well as your ceremonial vision. My writing and speaking abilities will allow me to make your ceremony come to life.