Meet Coach Cherie Black, PhD, CPC

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I earned a Master of Arts in Special Education, with a focus on behavior disorders in children, and shifted to instructing students identified with emotional and behavioral challenges. It was intense, humbling, and profoundly meaningful work that deepened my commitment to understanding human behavior.

That experience led me to pursue a PhD in Counseling and Educational Psychology, which I earned from New Mexico State University in 1994. Since then, I’ve built a career that blends clinical insight with educational expertise—working in private practice with clients of all ages while also serving in public schools. I retired from my role as a school psychologist in 2015 and have continued working in private practice. After many years in private practice, I’m entering a new chapter—one that allows me to bring the same depth of insight, empathy, and curiosity into a more collaborative, forward-focused coaching relationship.

I have always been fascinated by what makes us tick—what shapes our thoughts, our choices, and our ability to grow. I believe that people are always doing the best they can with what they've been given —with the right support, they can grow into more of who they truly want to be.

Growth isn’t a fixed destination—it’s a continuum we move through at our own pace. 

Skills and abilities aren’t all-or-nothing traits — they develop through practice, support, and intentional action. One person might be a “15” in horseback riding and a “90” in public speaking. The important question isn’t where you are — it’s where you want to go, and what might be holding you back.

That's where coaching comes in.

In coaching, we start by identifying what’s getting in the way. Then we flip that around to clarify what you do want — the version of your life that feels more free, more aligned, and more you. Together, we create clear goals and practical steps to help you make that shift — not just once, but in a way that lasts. 

In the end, transformation isn’t about perfection — it’s about movement, and the journey of becoming more fully you.