Cheryl S. Sharp MSW, IMWT, CPSST, ALWF

Cheryl S. Sharp, MSW, ALWF is an exclusive consultant to the National Council for Behavioral Health Trauma-Informed Services and Suicide Prevention Efforts. Sharp has worked with adult trauma survivors for over 30 years and trains and speaks nationally on trauma-informed care. As part of the trauma-informed care (TIC) team at the National Council, she works to facilitate TIC Learning Communities across the country.

Sharp is a content expert on trauma, resilience, and TIC implementation, as well as the exclusive consultant for suicide prevention. Based on her perspective as a trauma survivor and a person who has recovered from significant mental health challenges, Sharp believes that understanding people’s experiences changes the conversation, allowing them to grow and heal. Prior to becoming an exclusive consultant for the National Council, Sharp started and led the National Council’s trauma-informed initiatives. She led On Our Own of Maryland’s statewide consumer networks as the WRAP Outreach Coordinator and was the Executive Director of the STAR Process, located in Arizona, and also served on their Board of Directors.

Sharp received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies from East Carolina University in North Carolina, followed by her master’s degree in social work. Sharp has received several awards for her work, including the SAMHSA Voice Award for her personal stories educating the public about behavioral health and the Lou Ann Townsend Courage Award for her contributions to persons with psychiatric disabilities.