Let's change lives...
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With more than 30 years of experience in front of a live audience, I have found a second home on stage. By combining my stage experience, life story, and professional knowledge, I have embarked on a journey to empower survivors of abuse and transform lives through the art of passionate storytelling.
Presenter at the National Center for Victims of Crime Training Institute 2026
I am honored to announce that I have been selected to present at the National Center for Victims of Crime's National Training Institute (NTI) Conference in Chicago, Illinois, in September 2026.
My presentation, Silenced in the System: Trauma-Informed Advocacy for Misidentified, Minimized, and Criminalized Victims, explores how trauma can influence communication, memory, behavior, and credibility assessments, and why understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals working with victims and survivors.
The National Training Institute is one of the nation's leading conferences dedicated to victim advocacy, victim services, and multidisciplinary professional education. The conference brings together advocates, attorneys, law enforcement professionals, social service providers, researchers, and other professionals committed to improving outcomes for victims of crime.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation and to share research-informed perspectives that support trauma-informed practice, victim-centered approaches, and a deeper understanding of survivor experiences.
September 2026 | Chicago, Illinois
National Center for Victims of Crime — National Training Institute
My Story...
(Trigger warning)
I grew up in a dysfunctional home where chaos was the norm, filled with bellowing voices and painful words. Raised by a clinically diagnosed narcissistic and bipolar father, I endured a childhood that distorted my understanding of love, leaving me vulnerable to predatory adults. I battled bulimia nervosa for 19 years, faced numerous health challenges, married, and became a mother. What I didn't know was that my unresolved childhood trauma would pave a path to an adulthood full of hardships. But from those ashes, I found a renewed sense of purpose and strength.
In the final chapter of my relationship with my father, I was estranged from him, only to see him one last time as he lay on life support, succumbing to complications caused by COVID-19. His passing marked a turning point in my life. Something within me shifted, and I began to take control, reclaiming my power and charting a new path forward.
For the first time, I began fighting for my overall wellness and because of that I was able to see the importance of helping others do the same. I launched Tangled in Toxic, a TikTok account with over 12,000 followers, where I educate others about covert abuse, self-love, and holistic wellness. I was published in Voyage LA Magazine, Canvas Rebel, Shoutout LA, started writing pieces for Helpful Living Magazine, Wellness on Time, and various Medium publications, with my most recent article chosen by the editorial team and boosted for broader visibility.
You can view that article
I have continued advocacy work as a Nationally Credentialed Advocate, assisting other warriors navigating the treacherous, yet profoundly necessary, journey of healing and reclaiming self. This has been the beautiful transformation of alchemizing pain into purpose.
Through my journey, I discovered the power of storytelling. I share my experiences not just as a testament to survival but as a message of hope and resilience. Life can be incredibly tough, but within every challenge lies a glimmer of hope, a chance to heal, grow, and thrive. My goal is to inspire others to find the strength and courage to keep moving forward and rediscover the power within themselves.
Sometimes, hearing someone else’s story is all it takes to awaken the warrior inside of you—a reminder of who you truly are and the limitless potential you hold.
Warmly,
Cheri
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