After a tumultuous and unremarkable youth, devoid of a traditional cap-and-gown ceremony, Cheri joined the United States Coast Guard, where she fulfilled the duties of Search and Rescue and Law Enforcement, exemplifying the motto "If it moves, grease it. If it doesn't move, paint it." Following her honorable discharge from the military, she relocated to Hollywood to indulge in the world of Rock and Roll. Prior to that, she worked as a Waitress and Bartender. Although her band never achieved mainstream success, they opened for numerous prominent acts, including T.S.O.L., Guns and Roses, L7, LA Guns, Jane's Addiction, X, Hole, Descendants, and many others. In addition, she wrote for the local magazine LA Rock Review.
Eventually, she put away her guitar and moved to Santa Cruz to focus on her writing, opening a tattoo studio to support herself and her creative endeavors. Her visit with psychic Sylvia Brown served as a catalyst for her writing career, inspiring her to pen the semi-autobiographical play Prey for Rock and Roll. The play was produced by Fat Chance Productions in NYC and premiered at the legendary punk club CBGB, with Cheri starring in the lead role of Jacki. The play was later optioned for film rights, starring Gina Gershon, Drea DeMatteo, Lori Petty, Shelly Cole, Marc Blucas, and Ivan Martin. The soundtrack was produced by Stephen Trask of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Prey for Rock and Roll made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2003 and went on to play major festivals worldwide.
Her mockumentary short, Hollywood Trash and Tinsel, won the Best Documentary Directorial Debut Award at the New York International Film and Video Festival in 2004. She has since completed production on her second feature film, The Jesus Factor, which offers an unconventional exploration of "Family, Sex, Gender, Religion, and Love Etiquette... or Lack Thereof." The film is currently in post-production. Cheri is also the co-owner of the award-winning Lovedog Tattoo Studio, a proud parent, and an accomplished poker, craps, and blackjack player. Her interests include cars and motorcycles she cannot afford, as well as women she cannot afford.
