Experience

UnF*ck Your Brain

• Professional Training and Coaching
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Operating Officer

  • Mar 2022 - Present



Cheryl Mell Coaching

• United States
• Professional Training and Coaching

• Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer

  • Aug 2020 - Present

  I’m a certified Life and Career Coach, a Marine Biologist, and an Executive Leader in Global Conservation. I work with high-performing professionals who are searching for clarity on their career trajectory; Individuals who are motivated to make a difference, live their lives with purpose, and define success on their own terms. I believe in people that want to make a difference. I believe in people that want to know that their career choices really do matter. People who want to know that their work is important. It is. I’m here to help you discover the next step in your career calling that will catapult you to the meaningful life that you deserve. I’m here to help you gain clarity on what you really want. If you're interested, please direct message me. We can jump on a free consult call to see if coaching is a good match for you at this time. Show less



Shedd Aquarium

• United States
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Sr. Vice President of Conservation Partnerships and Programs

  • 2016 - 2020

  Executive leadership responsibilities for one of the world’s premier animal care, learning and conservation organizations.Provided vision, strategic direction, and leadership to ensure Shedd’s Conservation and Education mission and strategic plans are carried out aquarium-wide through exhibits, partnerships, and programs.Managed a staff of 70 and oversaw a budget of $5 million in expenses and $2.5 million in revenue. Fundraised for conservation and learning programs from individuals and funding agencies such as National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Institute of Museum and Library Service, Joyce Foundation, Department of Education and Illinois State Board of Education.Advisor to the President/CEO on strategic issues including connections to Board leadership. Serve as a staff liaison to Conservation and Education Board Committees which included oversight of educational and scientific programs; audience trends and best practices; identifying potential funding sources for programs; ensuring appropriate use of methodology and technology; and providing professional development and training for staff.Oversaw the development, implementation and evaluation of all Conservation and Education efforts including: learning programs (adult, college, youth, family, schools, and teachers), community partnerships & programs, conservation partnerships, in-situ and ex-situ research programs, global travel, policy & advocacy. Managed Shedd Aquarium’s research vessel, R/V Coral Reef II.Created Shedd Adventures, an affinity based global travel program for Aquarium donors and members. An effective and contributing member of the executive leadership team responsible for institution-wide planning, goal setting and policy direction. Participate on Aquarium-wide teams and collaborate effectively with other Aquarium departments and projects. Show less

• Sr. Vice President Global Field Experience/Conservation Ambassador

  • 2011 - 2016

• VP Conservation, Education and Research

  • 2005 - 2012

• Director of Conservation Awareness

  • 2003 - 2005

• Director Of Education

  • 1998 - 2003

• Assistant Director Of Education

  • 1996 - 1998

• Teacher Services Coordinator

  • 1994 - 1996

• Educator

  • 1991 - 1994



South Miami Middle School

• Miami, Florida, United States

• Science Teacher

  • 1990 - 1991

  Instructed seventh grade regular, honors and gifted students in an intermediate general science course. Taught ninth grade honors biology. Established science mentor pairs and oversaw National Science Fair. Instructed seventh grade regular, honors and gifted students in an intermediate general science course. Taught ninth grade honors biology. Established science mentor pairs and oversaw National Science Fair.



University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science

• United States
• Higher Education
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Research Assistant

  • 1987 - 1989

  Developed techniques for the aquaculture of the Red Drum (Scaleonops ocellatus). Conducted chemical analyses of oceanographic tracer data. Studied brittle star respiration and physiology for potential pharmaceutical use. Developed techniques for the aquaculture of the Red Drum (Scaleonops ocellatus). Conducted chemical analyses of oceanographic tracer data. Studied brittle star respiration and physiology for potential pharmaceutical use.



University of Miami

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Teaching Assistant

  • 1986 - 1987

  Developed and implemented a brand new introductory marine science field course for first year college students. Facilitated course to over 240 freshman marine science majors. Developed and implemented a brand new introductory marine science field course for first year college students. Facilitated course to over 240 freshman marine science majors.