Grew up in Cork, Ireland. She studied Drama in University College Cork. During this period she appeared in many college productions such as Women of Troy, 9.6% love. For many years she worked with the Graffiti Theatre Company as an actress on productions such as Lady Chill, The Crucible playing the role of Abigail Williams, The Cobh project and Theatre against racism. Cheryl also worked with Playgroup Theatre Company during their productions for the Cork Midsummer Theatre Festival playing the role of Willamina for their production of Dark Week. From 2012-2015 Cheryl worked with SEST first as assistant director and later as an actor in productions such as Contractions and Much Ado About Nothing.