Who I am

Hi, I’m Cheryl — a teacher, writer, and lifelong learner who believes in the transformative power of language, connection, and self-expression. I’m a Jewish American woman with Russian heritage, navigating the beautiful complexity of my identity. Though I’ve never been to Russia, I carry its language and culture through my parents’ experiences. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that I don’t owe anyone an explanation for how my identity is shaped—whether it's my heritage, my faith, or the languages I speak. My identity is mine to define, and I embrace it in its entirety.

My Journey to Education

Throughout my life, I’ve found strength in both the written word and in the people around me. After earning my Master’s in English Education from Columbia University, I began my journey in education, which felt like a natural calling. But before I stepped into the classroom, I spent years grappling with the idea of success—a path that I imagined would lead me to a PhD in literature and economics. I dreamed of researching how economic systems appear in literature and understanding how stories shape our world. I was deeply passionate about my subjects, creating reading lists, and envisioning myself as a scholar.

However, life has a way of shifting our expectations. After I recognized that I need to do more internal work for my mental health- namely perfectionism- I realized that my journey wouldn't unfold as I expected. This difficult chapter didn’t diminish my ambition—it deepened my resilience and gave me a new perspective on the value of self-compassion and authenticity. The path I took led me back to my first love: teaching. For over 10 years, I’ve been tutoring and mentoring students, helping them not only succeed academically but also grow personally. The heart of my work has always been about fostering connection and encouraging students to believe in their own potential.

Teaching with Purpose

As an educator, I’ve learned to be trauma-informed, understanding that students come to the classroom with different experiences and challenges. This knowledge guides my approach to teaching, allowing me to create a space where everyone’s unique story is honored. Whether we’re diving into classic literature or exploring contemporary texts, my goal is to help students see the power of words not just as tools for learning, but as ways to understand themselves, their emotions, and the world around them.

Embracing My Full Self

Throughout this journey, I’ve embraced the wisdom of those who came before me and the students who continue to teach me every day. I’ve also learned to embrace the whole of who I am. As a trilingual educator, I’ve faced moments of doubt—like when a recruiter once told me to hide the fact that I speak multiple languages, fearing that people might think my English wasn’t strong enough. For a while, I played that game. But now, I know better. My language, my identity, and my lived experiences aren’t burdens—they’re strengths.

Inspiration from Pippi and Lulu

One of my early inspirations was Pippi Longstocking, the fiery redhead who carved her own path and never apologized for being different. I’ve carried that spirit with me through life—learning to embrace my quirks, my roots, and my journey without shrinking.

And by my side is Lulu, my redheaded rescue pup, who reminds me daily that life’s most valuable moments often come when we least expect them. Like Pippi, Lulu’s unapologetic zest for life has taught me to see joy in the little things and to find adventure wherever I go.

Defining Success

I believe that success is not defined by the degrees we hold, but by how we live authentically, how we uplift others, and how we continue to grow and learn along the way. As I share my story and continue to mentor others, I remind myself that the greatest impact I can make is not just through teaching, but through being true to myself.