Her Story
About Cheri A.
Cheri A. Wood is a dedicated nutrition professional serving as the Family Daycare Home Sponsor for Northeast Missouri and the CACFP Sponsor for seven Head Start and Early Head Start centers through Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri. With more than a decade of experience in child nutrition programs, Cheri has built her career around ensuring children receive healthy, balanced meals that support growth, learning, and overall well-being. Before transitioning into her current full-time oversight role, she spent 10 years as a Head Start center director, gaining valuable experience in early childhood education, family support, program compliance, and child development.
Based in La Plata, Missouri, Cheri travels throughout the region to monitor and support daycare homes and early childhood centers, helping providers meet CACFP guidelines while creating nutritious, homemade meals with appropriate portions and healthier choices. She is passionate about reducing added sugar and sodium in children’s diets and believes that good nutrition plays an important role in brain development, classroom behavior, and lifelong health. As a certified trainer and public speaker, Cheri has shared her expertise with audiences of up to 2,000 people on topics including farm-to-table nutrition, using fresh foods from gardens and farmers’ markets, and understanding how nutrition deficiencies can impact children’s development.
Cheri holds NASM Nutrition and Wellness Coach Certification, CACFP Nutrition Professional Certification, and CACFP Management Professional Certification. She credits much of her success to the encouragement and support of her husband, Ben, her children, and her grandchildren. Outside of her professional work, Cheri enjoys gardening, fishing, raising chickens, reading books such as Farm to Table and Delish, and embracing the simple joys of life with her family. Her personal philosophy is to continue setting new goals while taking time to celebrate progress along the way.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cheri A.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support and encouragement of my husband, who has always been my biggest cheerleader and my safe place. I am also incredibly grateful for my wonderful children and grandchildren, whose love, inspiration, and support continue to motivate me every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always have the next goal in sight. It’s important to celebrate where you are, recognize how far you’ve come, and appreciate your accomplishments, while continuing to challenge yourself and move forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never stop setting new goals. Celebrate your achievements and the progress you’ve made, but always remain curious, keep learning, and continue moving forward with confidence and purpose.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I feel like I face most often is helping individuals and families understand that healthy nutrition does not have to be expensive or break the bank. That piece is very important to families living on a fixed income. Finding ways to help them integrate nutritious foods on a budget is very important to me.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Connection, Integrity and Compassion are some values that are important to me both at work and my personal life. I believe they hold me accountable and at the same time offer peace within myself.
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