Dr. Cheryl D. Watkins is an educator who fell in love with teaching as a child. Her professional career began within the third largest urban school district in the country as a special education teacher. During her 33-year tenure, she rose through the ranks serving in many positions including special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, deputy chief of schools, and prior to retiring, chief of schools. She is the founder and lead consultant of Monarch Education Consultants, LLC, where she seeks to positively impact instructional outcomes for schools and districts including topics such as race and equity, emotional intelligence, strategic planning, and leadership.