Biography

Cheri Torres, Ph.D. Cheri understands that relational dynamics inform any group or organization endeavor; therefore, she works with leaders and teams to co-create positive, strength-based relationships capable of achieving extraordinary outcomes. She emphasizes excellence and success as an evolving target that is best achieved through continuous appreciation and inquiry. Working with Cheri means learning to use a simple set of tools and practices that generate human connection, positive relational dynamics, broad-based inclusion, creativity, collaborative action, and collective impact.

Cheri also partners with communities and organizations for whole systems change and strategic planning, bringing all stakeholders together for planning, design and collaborative action.  She has worked across all sectors: education, social profit/NGOs, government and corporate, supporting their capacity for learning and innovation, shared leadership, teamwork and collaboration. She has trained thousands of trainers and teachers in the use and practice of Experiential Learning, Appreciative Inquiry and other strength-based practices with a particular focus on leadership development, teamwork, creativity, and collaboration. In addition to North America, she has worked in Mexico, South America, Europe and India.

Cheri brings a diverse background to her work. She founded Childcare Directions in 1983, a non-profit childcare resource and referral service that continues to serve NC communities. She also co-founded Mobile Team Challenge in 1995, which sells their patented portable low ropes courses and provides Appreciative Facilitation training. Her collaborative natures is reflected in her partnership with: The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, NextMove, Innovation Partners International, and Insight Shift.

Cheri holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Collaborative Learning from the University of Tennessee. She also holds an MBA, a Masters in Transpersonal Psychology, Level 2 certification in Cultural Transformation Tools/Barrett Values Centre, and level II certification in Spiral Dynamics Integral. She co-designed and patented Mobile Team Challenge, an award-winning, portable low ropes course. She has authored numerous books and articles including The Appreciative Facilitator: Accelerated Learning Practices and Dynamic Relationships: Unleashing the Power of Appreciative Inquiry in Daily Living. She is currently co-authoring a book, which will be published by Berrett Koehler in late 2017.