Cheryl has been living in Seattle since 1981, currently in Magnolia with her wife Kathie. In 2016 after a difficult period of change, Cheryl committed to a meditation practice and began diligently learning and practicing the Dhamma. As a service connected veteran, her initial introduction to Insight meditation was through an MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) class at the VA Medical Center in Seattle which was taught by a long time Insight practitioner and teacher. After a year of going to every class offered by him, included all the alumni classes and 2 12-week loving kindness classes, she asked her teacher if this was what Buddha taught. She discovered that she was learning and practicing Satipatthana the entire time. He suggested she go to SIMS.   Cheryl has been volunteering for SIMS since early 2018 including being a greeter, a registrar, website updater, audio visual crew member, etc. From 2020 to 2022, Cheryl served on the board of directors as Communications Director. During this time, a new website was produced, marketing strategies were proposed and implemented, and the hybrid audio visual system was built as online and in-person sits became desirable during Covid. She continues to enjoy serving as SIMS’ technical communications coordinator, leading teams, managing the website, doing AV and other volunteer roles. As well, Cheryl plays an active volunteer role with Clear Mountain Monastery in Seattle. Her personal and work skills include systems engineering, library technology, drawing, digital art, photography, playing ukulele, and helping others find joy in service and practicing the Dhamma.