Cheryl Peterson, Ph.D. is a mom, teacher, coach, and writer. She studied elementary education at Millikin University and then spent nearly 20 years in public education teaching at various grade levels, and working as an instructional coach and gifted coordinator. She has also supervised student teachers at The University of Iowa where she received her Master's Degree in Educational Psychology. She supervised student teachers, conducted research, and served as an instructor for preservice teachers at The University of Minnesota where she received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. With her extensive background in gifted education, she has taught as an adjunct professor at Hamline University for seven years. She blogs regularly about her experience as a mother, writer, educator, and hobby farmer. Since COVID-19 she has utilized her experience to support families and students through tutoring, coaching, and teaching a variety of courses in homeschool co-ops. One of the courses she teaches is IDEAS. She published her first book, IDEAS: A Simple Guide for Kids to Learn About Anything, in 2022 to support this class and provide a resource for all students to learn using an inquiry-based approach. On November 1, 2022, she will launch her first book, Because of 4: A True Story and Step-by-step Guide to Uncovering Potential in Youth and You. This book tells her journey of becoming a better teacher as she attempted to teach four young boys. Throughout this book, she infuses her years of educational experience, stories, and insights. Dr. Peterson is inspired by those she teaches and strives to bring play, practice, and purpose into all aspects of her life. She lives with her husband, children, dog, cats, chickens, and horses in Illinois.