After an early career as a secondary school teacher Cheryl dedicated her professional life to Christian counseling. For more than 35 years she counseled and taught families, teens, couples, individuals and groups in churches, colleges, private practice and in public agencies located in Ohio, SC, NC, the Philippines, and India. She considers her work with Parents of Missionaries a highlight of her service. Together with POM Diane Stortz, Cheryl co-authored the groundbreaking book, Parents of Missionaries.

Today Cheryl volunteers as head of the Wellness Ministry at her church in North Carolina where she worships with her husband, daughter, son-in-law and three granddaughters. Her son, daughter-in-law and three grandsons live in Ohio. Her entire family shares faith in Jesus Christ and cheers for The Ohio State Buckeyes.

• Parents of Missionaries: How to Thrive and Stay Connected When Your Children and Grandchildren Serve Cross-Culturally by Cheryl Savageau, Diane Stortz

• Tip Sheets for Parents of Missionaries by Diane Stortz and Cheryl Savageau (PDF file)