Cheri Neal
Cheri is a seasoned public servant and coach, encouraging her audiences to overcome drama and combat Saboteurs, offering a new paradigm to develop healthy supportive relationships and lifestyles.
Cheri Neal, has spent over 30 years encouraging others to overcome obstacles, a passion near and dear to her heart, since she’s been creating opportunities out of her own challenges her entire life. A single mother, Cheri found herself working three jobs, but barely scraping by. She heard that the State of Illinois was in desperate need of snowplow drivers, and applied, though all were sure she would fail the test. The following week, Cheri became the first female snowplow driver for the Illinois Department of Transportation, and remained on the job for 12 years.
Cheri craved serving others and sought out opportunities to get involved in her community. She was the first woman to join Zion-Benton Kiwanis, causing serious dissention. It was at that meeting that she heard her future predecessor share how deeply townships impacted the community in various ways, including providing substance abuse treatment, of which Cheri had been (and still is) in active recovery since 1985; youth work development, of which Cheri had been the youth group director at Memorial United Methodist church for 5 years; and providing Meals on Wheels, of which Cheri had been a volunteer with her son for years. This lit a fire in Cheri that she could not put out. After visiting the township, Cheri realized her passion to connect residents in need with the vast array of resources available to enhance their lives. Her background included a Double Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Behavior in Society and Psychology, as well as being raised in politics, which fit perfectly into the scheme of things. Cheri ran for the position and lost by six votes. In the following election, after her divorce from a Zion police officer, Cheri won and was elected to a full-time position as Zion Township Supervisor in May of 2001.
As Supervisor, Cheri is the acting CEO and treasurer of the Township. She is responsible for coordinating social services for the Zion community, where she and her team lead, empower and advocate, connecting residents to resources, services and solutions, making Zion better. Cheri has been recognized numerous times for her gift of visioning and collaboration. By establishing and maintaining relationships, she brings the best minds to the table to address needs as they arise. She created the local Senior Resource Day, expanded the Youth Summer Work Program and enhanced the Coalition for Healthy Communities in substantial ways, serving as President for 3 years and a board member for over 20 years.
Determined to make the greatest impact possible, she extended her reach outside her community. Cheri was driven to make a difference by breaking down barriers between social service agencies by implementing RESPOND, a monthly networking luncheon for front-line workers of over 30 agencies in Lake County; resurrecting CREW, a non-profit organization providing substance abuse counseling and assisting in its transition to Nicasa; founding the Queen Bees of Zion Red Hat Society, and Zinnias for Zion. Cheri is also the co-creator of the Zion-Benton Leadership Academy, which has infused her community with diverse, highly qualified leadership.
Cheri’s strong passion and unwavering faith to help develop others goes far beyond her workday. She mentors, supports and encourages everywhere she goes. She is an engaging and enlightening international presenter, who has spoken at the International Institute of Municipal Clerks’ Conference, Iowa Municipal Professionals Institute and Academy, Lake County WINGS, North Dakota Clerks Conference, Wisconsin Credit Union Associations, Lake County Municipal League, University of Wisconsin – Parkside, numerous Project Management Institutes, various retreats and more.
Cheri is a certified Life Coach through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), and holds a Masters in Management and Certificate in Leadership through North Park University. She is a practitioner for 3 Vital Questions, a certified trainer of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, trained in the Inner Game by Timothy Gallwey and a Certified Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness Trainer.
In 2012, Cheri launched Candid Coaching and Conversations, providing coaching, motivational speaking and training services to help people develop their potential, seek and create opportunities, and break through their own obstacles. Her innate kindness and understanding coupled with her candid coaching style helps move her clients and audiences alike to live life to its fullest. Most recently, Cheri graduated from the National Speakers Association Wisconsin Chapter Academy and is the Past President of the organization, having been honored with one of the highest awards given.
Cheri’s most grateful for God and her children (Billy, Utah and Britney, Illinois). She raises Monarch Butterflies, and loves to golf, hike, kayak, garden (especially Zinnias – she is a Blue-Ribbon Winner at the Lake County Fair), ride her Harley, and pit crew at Hot Air Balloon Festivals! She is the published author of Seeds of Joy, How to Grow Zinnias and Your Zest for Life and soon, Messages of the Monarch, How to Find Our Wings and Fly!
Cheri Neal, has spent over 30 years encouraging others to overcome obstacles, a passion near and dear to her heart, since she’s been creating opportunities out of her own challenges her entire life. A single mother, Cheri found herself working three jobs, but barely scraping by. She heard that the State of Illinois was in desperate need of snowplow drivers, and applied, though all were sure she would fail the test. The following week, Cheri became the first female snowplow driver for the Illinois Department of Transportation, and remained on the job for 12 years.
Cheri craved serving others and sought out opportunities to get involved in her community. She was the first woman to join Zion-Benton Kiwanis, causing serious dissention. It was at that meeting that she heard her future predecessor share how deeply townships impacted the community in various ways, including providing substance abuse treatment, of which Cheri had been (and still is) in active recovery since 1985; youth work development, of which Cheri had been the youth group director at Memorial United Methodist church for 5 years; and providing Meals on Wheels, of which Cheri had been a volunteer with her son for years. This lit a fire in Cheri that she could not put out. After visiting the township, Cheri realized her passion to connect residents in need with the vast array of resources available to enhance their lives. Her background included a Double Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Behavior in Society and Psychology, as well as being raised in politics, which fit perfectly into the scheme of things. Cheri ran for the position and lost by six votes. In the following election, after her divorce from a Zion police officer, Cheri won and was elected to a full-time position as Zion Township Supervisor in May of 2001.
As Supervisor, Cheri is the acting CEO and treasurer of the Township. She is responsible for coordinating social services for the Zion community, where she and her team lead, empower and advocate, connecting residents to resources, services and solutions, making Zion better. Cheri has been recognized numerous times for her gift of visioning and collaboration. By establishing and maintaining relationships, she brings the best minds to the table to address needs as they arise. She created the local Senior Resource Day, expanded the Youth Summer Work Program and enhanced the Coalition for Healthy Communities in substantial ways, serving as President for 3 years and a board member for over 20 years.
Determined to make the greatest impact possible, she extended her reach outside her community. Cheri was driven to make a difference by breaking down barriers between social service agencies by implementing RESPOND, a monthly networking luncheon for front-line workers of over 30 agencies in Lake County; resurrecting CREW, a non-profit organization providing substance abuse counseling and assisting in its transition to Nicasa; founding the Queen Bees of Zion Red Hat Society, and Zinnias for Zion. Cheri is also the co-creator of the Zion-Benton Leadership Academy, which has infused her community with diverse, highly qualified leadership.
Cheri’s strong passion and unwavering faith to help develop others goes far beyond her workday. She mentors, supports and encourages everywhere she goes. She is an engaging and enlightening international presenter, who has spoken at the International Institute of Municipal Clerks’ Conference, Iowa Municipal Professionals Institute and Academy, Lake County WINGS, North Dakota Clerks Conference, Wisconsin Credit Union Associations, Lake County Municipal League, University of Wisconsin – Parkside, numerous Project Management Institutes, various retreats and more.
Cheri is a certified Life Coach through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), and holds a Masters in Management and Certificate in Leadership through North Park University. She is a practitioner for 3 Vital Questions, a certified trainer of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, trained in the Inner Game by Timothy Gallwey and a Certified Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness Trainer.
In 2012, Cheri launched Candid Coaching and Conversations, providing coaching, motivational speaking and training services to help people develop their potential, seek and create opportunities, and break through their own obstacles. Her innate kindness and understanding coupled with her candid coaching style helps move her clients and audiences alike to live life to its fullest. Most recently, Cheri graduated from the National Speakers Association Wisconsin Chapter Academy and is the Past President of the organization, having been honored with one of the highest awards given.
Cheri’s most grateful for God and her children (Billy, Utah and Britney, Illinois). She raises Monarch Butterflies, and loves to golf, hike, kayak, garden (especially Zinnias – she is a Blue-Ribbon Winner at the Lake County Fair), ride her Harley, and pit crew at Hot Air Balloon Festivals! She is the published author of Seeds of Joy, How to Grow Zinnias and Your Zest for Life and soon, Messages of the Monarch, How to Find Our Wings and Fly!
Mental Fitness - The Key Ingredient for a Healthy Organization
Format: This program can be formatted to fit a Keynote, workshop, breakout, or full day inservice event. It is perfect for teams that are being encouraged to maximize their talents, relationships and capacity to be all they have the potential to be.
In this challenging, pivotal program, participants will:
- Recognize the war that goes on in your mind between your inner Critic and your inner Sage;
- Identify the...
Transform Workplace Drama and Create Extraordinary Outcomes
Format: Keynote, Workshops, Breakouts, All-Day in-service
In this empowering and insightful session based on the work of David Emerald in The Power of TED* and 3 Vital Questions, your team will learn to:
- Acquire tools to prevent burnout and increase job satisfaction and fulfillment;
- Identify drama in the workplace, understanding the roles that allow it to thrive;
- Become crystal-clear in your...
Messages of the Monarch, How to Find Our Wings and Fly!
Format: Great for Keynotes, Workshops, Breakouts, Virtual Presentations, and more!
Description: Mother Nature is a pretty smart cookie when we pay attention. When we listen. When we’re watching. The Monarch butterfly offers unique lessons that will transform the way you lead your life and the lives of those around you. Participants will acquire a new appreciation for the Monarch as a symbol reminding them of the opportunities available...
How to Move from Crazy to Crazy Good
In our society, where we are inundated by non-sensical rules that go unquestioned, we are driven to stay stuck in crazy! Join Cheri as she challenges these limiting beliefs and offers a new paradigm that allows you to design the life you wouldn’t even give yourself permission to dream of. Her entertaining presentation is filled with real-world experience and strategy for creating the kind of life that is measurably better than what you’ve ever imagined.
In this...
