Start Date: July 2022

As Senior Director of Book Babies, Cheri Coleman is the organization’s principal leader responsible for the strategic vision, innovation, and programmatic excellence of the Book Babies portfolio. Serving as the internal subject matter expert on the Book Babies model, Cheri oversees program design, research, and evaluation to ensure maximum effectiveness during a period of significant regional and national expansion. She collaborates closely with C-suite leadership to institutionalize Early Relational Health principles across the organization and influence early childhood literacy policy at a systemic level.

Cheri brings over 25 years of experience supporting children and families to this role. She previously served as the Director of Early Literacy, where she was instrumental in refining program processes and expanding the reach of the Book Babies model. Her extensive professional background includes a decade at the Center for Child and Family Health as a Family Support Worker and Clinical Supervisor, where she built interdisciplinary programs to improve early childhood health and development. A dedicated researcher, Cheri has contributed to major studies on childhood well-being, including a five-state research study for the National Center for Early Development and Learning.

Cheri holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Chicago and an MSW from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is a member of NCIMHA and holds the IMH-E® (Infant Mental Health Endorsement) credential. Her additional specialized certifications include Parents as Teachers, Integrated Strategies for Home Visiting, Motivational Interviewing, Triple P Level 3, and Touchpoints, and she is an ABC Certified Parent Coach and Clinical Supervisor.