After her formal education Cheryl ventured into locum teaching for approximately two years in Durban and relocated to Johannesburg to find greener pastures. Her first job was at an insurance company. In fact, way back then she worked two jobs; from 8am - 4pm and 5pm - 10pm. Cheryl enjoyed working with people, more importantly she took pride in her work where her main focus was on superior customer service delivery.

Her career in the banking sector flourished and she grew from her position as a clerk to manager. In 1983 she got married. Cheryl has 3 beautiful daughters, each one so different, and 3 gorgeous grandsons and says this is her most treasured milestone, her family.

She retired her banking career in 2007. Whilst in her retiredment she attended a board meeting at a center for Disabled persons. After relieving a staff member at the facility in 2011 she knew this is where I belong! She loves being an advocate for this very neglected sector of society. She says she's in love with her community of differently able- bodied persons. She knows now that this is what she has been searching for and feel privileged and humbled to be able to serve her community. She believes we still have a long way to go in terms of inclusion of persons with special needs in the open market, accessibility to housing, transport education.