Cheryl Cramer Briard grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, the second oldest of 6 children. From an early age, she was encouraged to draw and play outside. Ms. Briard is a graduate of Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She worked as a staff artist at Brookdale Community College and as a freelance illustrator creating educational publications and maps. However, the most important job that she ever had was teaching art in a private school for special education students. She learned that she could make a difference in a child's life by giving them the positive experience of creativity and acceptance. Ms. Briard is married to Fred Briard, together they have three daughters, one son-in-law, and an 14 year old grandson. She lives in a farmhouse in Howell, New Jersey, and enjoys raising chickens, silkscreening, gardening and of course, genealogy.