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Sharon Stricker
Program Director
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Program Director, Sharon Stricker brings a rare and exciting combination of thirty years experience in education, therapeutic/mental health and business to her role, as well as, impressive educational credentials: an M.Ed. Degree in Clinical Counseling from the Citadel, an MS Degree in Physical Education from Morgan State University and BS Degree in Health and Physical Education from James Madison University. Her sense of humor, "go get 'em" enthusiasm and strong leadership ability made her the natural choice to serve as our first Program Director!
Sharon came to us from a five-year tenure on the Senior Management Team at the Anderson-Oconee -Pickens Mental Health Center where she served in several roles; as Staff Training/Community Development Coordinator responsible for the professional development of 180 clinical and administrative staff; as Area Manager supervising Adult and CAF (Children, Adult and Family) Programming Services for 700 clients; and as Coordinator of Child, Adolescent and Family Services, where she supervised programming for 1300 children and their families, including starting an animal-assisted therapy program, a residential program for homeless youth, intensive wrap-around services for children and adolescents at risk of hospital/group home placements, and also expanded school- based services.
During her years with her own private psychotherapy practice in Charleston, SC, Sharon specialized in mood disorders, grief and loss, and addictions, and conducted individual, family and group therapy with all ages. She served as the first Director of Out-Patient Services for Fenwick Hall Hospital, in Charleston, specializing in Chemical Dependency and Mood Disorders.
Sharon worked in the corporate world for several years as Director of Staff Development for Omniflight Helicopters, a 44- million dollar Air Medical Transport Corp. in Dallas, Texas. She conducted training, mediation and (in-house) counseling throughout the country for their customers - including Mayo Clinic, Medical University of South Carolina -and employees.
She began her career as an educator teaching science, health and physical education at the middle and high school levels in Maryland and South Carolina. She also served as the Athletic Director, coaching volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis. This, coupled with the fact that she was a world-class fencer in college, has captured the attention of our students!
Sharon said she was drawn to Cherokee Creek because she "loves the therapeutic school concept and truly respected the vision of the Founders." She added, "I am thrilled to be a part of a school that is committed to its mission and is poised for a successful evolution to the next phase of growth."
Sharon lives on six acres of forest adjacent to the Sumter National Forest with her dogs, Scout and Atticus, and her roommate Maizie. She loves photography, reading and being in nature.
According to Sharon, "When I visited the school for the first time I immediately felt that I had "come home." Cherokee Creek has an amazing and comprehensive program; and as I spoke with Beth about the vision for the future, I knew instantly that my skills could contribute to that vision and that I would flourish in a place with kindred spirits!