Cheryl S. Sharp, MSW, MWT, CPSST

Cheryl Sharp holds the unique perspective of a person who has recovered from significant mental health challenges, a trauma survivor, a family member of a loved one who died as a result of mental health challenges, and a provider of substance abuse and mental health services. Sharp received her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Women’s Studies followed by her Master’s Degree of Social Work specializing in health and aging.  Sharp has worked with adult trauma survivors for over 33 years training and speaking internationally on trauma-informed approaches and suicide prevention. She developed the National Council for Behavioral Health’s curriculum to create trauma-informed approaches within over 700 organizations across the country. She received a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Voice Award in 2015 for her work and personal stories educating the public about trauma, behavioral health and suicide prevention and the Lou Ann Townsend Courage Award for her contributions to persons with psychiatric disabilities. Most recently she received the On Our Own of Maryland 2018 Achievement Award for her contributions to the Maryland’s State WRAP Outreach Project. Sharp believes in the limitless possibilities found within each of us to live our lives from a place of personal power.  She has been a longtime supporter of the Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery and serves on the Board of Directors.  She enjoys living her life to the fullest as a mother and grandmother in eastern North Carolina. Sharp is an avid gardener, reader, sailor, traveler and companion to her cat, Music.