Cheryl Mchunguzi – A Journey of Transformation and Healing

Cheryl Mchunguzi’s story is a tapestry woven with threads of compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. From her early involvement in program development during the HIV/AIDS crisis to founding Metamorphosis Wellness Center, Cheryl’s path reflects a profound belief in the transformative power of support, self-discovery, and holistic healing.

The Genesis of a Healer
Cheryl’s journey began in her youth, deeply influenced by her family and church community. One pivotal figure in her life was Miss Ginter, a centenarian who instilled in Cheryl a philosophy of empowerment rather than enabling. “She wasn’t about enabling people to be weak,” Cheryl recalls, “but about enabling them to be strong and independent.” This foundation shaped Cheryl’s career and personal ethos.

Her early work during the HIV/AIDS crisis involved everything from distributing condoms to educating communities about the latest medical advancements. She became a vital part of New York State’s policy initiatives, dedicating over 15 years to advocating for public health. However, an unexpected encounter with a professor from Stony Brook University led her to pursue a Master’s in Social Work, marking a transformative shift in her professional trajectory.

A Holistic Approach to Social Work
Cheryl’s career is a testament to her holistic view of healing. After receiving her Reiki Master certification and integrating techniques like therapeutic touch, she began to see the value of combining traditional therapy with alternative modalities.

Her internships were equally transformative. Working with individuals experiencing active psychotic episodes, domestic violence survivors, and even perpetrators of abuse, Cheryl developed a deep understanding of human resilience. “No one is insulated from pain,” she notes. “Education or wealth doesn’t shield you from suffering. It’s about providing the right support to help people rebuild their lives.”

Metamorphosis: A Space for Transformation
In 2018, Cheryl took a leap of faith and founded Metamorphosis Wellness Center. The name itself was a labor of love. After a legal battle to secure it, Cheryl’s vision of transformation became a reality. “Everyone has a point in their life where they cocoon,” she explains. “They reinvent themselves, just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.”

The center embodies Cheryl’s philosophy. Beyond traditional talk therapy, it offers a spectrum of healing modalities, including Reiki, color therapy, music therapy, and even a meditation and yoga room. Cheryl believes in addressing the mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change. “Talk therapy is essential, but people often need more. They need tools and safe spaces to heal.”

The Essence of Therapy
For Cheryl, therapy is about empowerment and self-discovery. She describes her role as a facilitator, not a fixer. “I’m here to hold space, to ask the hard questions, and to guide individuals toward their own solutions,” she says. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of nonjudgmental support and creating a safe environment where clients can explore their potential.

Her theoretical framework draws from Gestalt therapy, EMDR, and the teachings of the SWEET Institute. “I believe we all have the ability to heal ourselves. Sometimes, we just need direction and someone to lift the veil of doubt.”

Challenges and Triumphs
Reflecting on her journey, Cheryl acknowledges the initial challenge of feeling the need to conform to traditional models of therapy. “Coming out of school, I thought I had to be someone else—like Freud or Piaget,” she shares. Over time, she embraced her unique approach, blending clinical expertise with holistic practices. This authenticity has been the cornerstone of her success.

Transformation through the SWEET Institute
Cheryl Mchunguzi spoke passionately about her transformative journey with the SWEET Institute, emphasizing how it has shaped her practice and expanded her therapeutic toolkit. She shared how SWEET’s unique approach to integrating advanced techniques with a deep understanding of human behavior resonated deeply with her philosophy of fostering independence and growth in her clients. “Through the SWEET Institute, I’ve gained a profound appreciation for modalities like Gestalt therapy and EMDR,” she explained. “These methods align perfectly with my belief in the human capacity for self-healing. SWEET’s training not only enhances my ability to hold space for my clients but also empowers them to find their own wings, embracing their metamorphosis with courage and clarity.” Cheryl credits the SWEET Institute for reinforcing her commitment to a person-centered, strength-based approach, and for inspiring her to continuously refine her practice to meet the diverse needs of her clients.

A Legacy of Healing
Cheryl’s work is not just about individual transformation but also about creating ripples of change in the community. Through her practice, she continues to inspire others to embrace their metamorphosis. Her message is clear: “Transformation is possible for everyone. It’s about providing the right tools, support, and belief in their ability to grow.”

As Cheryl looks ahead, her dedication to holistic healing and her clients’ journeys remain steadfast. Her story is a reminder that true healing often begins with a simple act of holding space for others. Through Metamorphosis Wellness Center, Cheryl Mchunguzi is not just changing lives—she is helping individuals spread their wings and soar.

This article encapsulates the depth of Cheryl’s contributions and her enduring impact on the field of mental health. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone seeking to make a difference in the lives of others.

Cheryl Mchunguzi has had an extensive career in health and human services and has provided communities throughout the tri-state area with quality education, training, counseling, program development, management, and client advocacy for over 25 years and has held various positions including: Division Director of COBRA Case Management Division, Economic Opportunity Council of  Suffolk Inc.;  Associate Director, Long Island Minority AIDS Coalition (LIMAC); Public Health Educator/ Trainer, John Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Adolescent Initiative Project; Coordinator for Suffolk County NYS AIDS Institute, faith-based program Common Ground; Educator/ Trainer, The  Balm in Gilead, International faith-based HIV/AIDS organization; Chairman of the Nassau – Suffolk HIV Care Network; and member, NYS HIV Prevention Planning Group (PPG).

Cheryl is presently the 1st Vice President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Suffolk County Chapter, and also serves on the National Policy and Procedure Committee of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.  Cheryl is also the President of the Long Island Think Tank for Black Progress.  Previously, Cheryl served as the Treasurer of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter.

Cheryl received an Associate’s degree from Kingsboro Community College; a Master’s Certification in Reiki from Reiki University; a Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Health from The Institute of Holistic Theology; and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, MSW, with a specialization in Health Care Administration, from the School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook University.  Cheryl graduated from the Hofstra University Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) Program, Scott Skodnek Business Development Center. Cheryl is also certified as a NYS Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) owner and is certified to conduct business in New York State, New York City and New Jersey.

Cheryl has received numerous awards, proclamations and acknowledgments for her dedication to advocacy, social justice, and heath policy. She recently received the NYS Entrepreneurship Assistance Center’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award for 2024.

Cheryl is the co-author of “Community Alliance for Research Empowering Social Change (CARES): A qualitative evaluation for a community based public health training”, and “A Community and Academic Partnership to Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes for African Americans on Long Island.”  In addition, Cheryl presented at the National Council of Women of the United States during the 55^th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 55) at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, in February 2011.  Cheryl also presented at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference, October 2011.  Her topic was “Addressing the Future of Black Girls on Long Island.” 

Cheryl is a Licensed Social Worker and established her private practice Metamorphosis, LMSW P.C. in 2018.  She is has trained in Culturally Competent Psychotherapy and various psychodynamic methods.  Cheryl is an Orange Theory Coach and serves as a wellness therapist for Taraji P. Henson’s Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, assisting people of color suffering from isolation, anxiety and loss during the Covid -19 Global Pandemic.

She is trained in Sound Therapy and EMDR.  Cheryl is a practicing psychotherapist with a diverse clientele in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. In 2022 Cheryl expanded her psychotherapy practice to include on site yoga, meditation, sound therapy , Reiki at her newly created Metamorphosis, LMSW P.C., and Wellness Center.  These services are being offered at reasonable rates in a brand new, attractive facility in the community, at 26 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights, NY 11798.

Cheryl firmly believes in the statement by Carter G. Woodson, “You don’t do the world proud by playing yourself small.”  Cheryl is married to her life partner, Rev. Saba Mchunguzi and is the 1st lady of Unity of Huntington.  She is also supported in her life of service to the community by her two accomplished children, Amina and Adeyemi.