About me

Dr. Cheryl R. Catchings, Ph.D. is a lot of things. But what you need to know most is that she lives by the belief that regardless of a child's biological parent(s), its upbringing belongs to the community. The African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," is the saying we all know; however, it is how Dr. Catchings lives her life every day. She is the teacher for the entire village. It doesn't matter where you are born; she believes we are all part of one human family that deserves love and support.  Among the many things Dr. Catchings has and is doing to support the village are efforts like establishing the 24-Hour Youth Hotline, being a featured speaker at the National Urban League's Summit and Youth Crime Watch Convention, and being a true community advocate. Cheryl is the recipient of numerous awards like the BET Trailblazer of the Decade Award, the March of Dimes White Rose Awards, the LINKS Founder of the Year Award, and the Crystal Reel Award from Florida's Motion Picture and Television Association.   Many people gravitate to the energetic and dynamic personality of Dr. Catchings; often, young people and parents struggling with complex and challenging experiences are her most significant attractors. Cheryl is not afraid to share her experiences as a childhood burn victim, surviving an alcoholic family, a former gang member, and single-parent challenges. She calmly says, "Talking about my life gives me the ability to relate to and assist with motivating youth, re-engaging adults, and revitalizing communities where she gratefully and humbly serves as a positive role model."  Her global advocacy establishes her as an inspiring, motivational speaker, wellness consultant, empowerment coach, and strategist for special interest groups and communities. The quotation above is the hallmark of a life dedicated to serving villages and is the mantra by which she lives. Through her works and efforts, it's easy to see why Dr. Catchings has been designated a true millennium "Village Teacher." Leaving her thumbprint across the United States and Europe, she successfully developed programs, including A+ Parenting, Town Hall Meetings, and Advisory Council for Teens.   Dr. Cathcings has gone on to produce two radio shows, demonstrating her passion and tirelessness for improving village conditions. She gained prominence for creating a unique after-school tutor-mentoring program partnering high-risk urban youth with students from the University of Michigan and founding the T. G. Mitchell scholarship for single parents.  After a brutal hate crime gang attack, she and her son founded the positive vocal group Chivalry. They established the 24-hour, toll-free, anonymous Speakout hotline program, still used as a national model for its success in decreasing gang activity, weapons on campus, and neighborhood drug sales.   Dr. Catchings often focuses speaking engagements and training sessions on the coined phrase "layered prevention." She created, directed, and produced award-winning prevention videos, her proactive response to violent crime by and against youth. Featured articles highlighting her community advocacy have appeared in Newsweek, Emerge, Creative Youth, and Simply Living. She also appeared on CNN's Talkback Live. CNBC and her family's joyous triumph over a public tragedy is the inspiration for NBC's How They Changed America documentary.  Dr. Catchings's background includes degrees and experience in Nursing, Organizational Management, Counseling, Educational Leadership, Community Psychology, and Human Services. She's written an anti-drug activity book for preschool-age children and developed a community-based television show for teens – to empower youth as our future leaders.