Professional Background
Sheri Ann Richerson's Achievements, Awards & Certifications
My professional journey has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to writing, broadcasting, digital media, gardening, conservation, education and practical self-sufficiency. These credentials and recognitions reflect decades of study, hands-on experience, public education, volunteer service and published work.
Journalism & Writing
My writing career began long before blogging and social media. These early journalism experiences helped establish the foundation for my work as an author, freelance writer, speaker and storyteller.
Outstanding Journalism Award
Presented by Mississinewa High School in Gas City, Indiana.
1986Ball State University Journalism Workshops
Certificate of Completion from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
1986Journalism Scholarship First Runner-Up
Named first runner-up for a $300 journalism scholarship through Ball State University.
1986National Novel Writing Month Winner
Recognized by The Office of Letters and Light for completing Mobsters, Mind Games & Magical Beings during National Novel Writing Month.
2009National Novel Writing Month Winner
Recognized by The Office of Letters and Light for completing Molded Clay, Hardened Steel during National Novel Writing Month.
2010Broadcasting, Digital Media & YouTube Education
My media education began with radio and broadcasting before expanding into online video, audience development, digital storytelling, international channel growth, monetization and immersive media.
Third Class Radio License
Earned a Third Class radio license as part of my early education and professional development in communications and broadcast media.
1987Grow Your Audience
Completed a YouTube Creator Academy program focused on developing, reaching and growing an audience on YouTube.
June 2015Production Skills
Completed YouTube Creator Academy training focused on practical video-production skills for creating stronger YouTube content.
June 2015Build a Business on YouTube
Completed YouTube Creator Academy coursework focused on developing a sustainable business strategy around a YouTube channel and its audience.
February 5, 2016Make Money with YouTube
Completed YouTube Creator Academy coursework covering monetization opportunities and methods for earning income through YouTube.
February 5, 2016Building a Global Channel
Completed YouTube Creator Academy coursework covering strategies for developing a channel and reaching viewers across international audiences.
April 6, 2017360-Degree Video and Virtual Reality on YouTube
Completed YouTube Creator Academy coursework covering the creation and use of immersive 360-degree video and virtual-reality content on YouTube.
April 6, 2017Purdue Master Gardener Credentials
My Master Gardener education progressed through Purdue University Cooperative Extension coursework, volunteer service, advanced training and continuing horticultural education.
Master Gardener Program Graduate
Completed the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program.
Advanced Master Gardener Training
Completed six hours of advanced training through the Hendricks County Master Gardener Association and Purdue Cooperative Extension in Danville, Indiana.
Advanced Master Gardener
Earned the Advanced Master Gardener title through Purdue University Cooperative Extension Education.
Advanced Master Gardener Training
Completed an additional six hours of advanced training through the Hendricks County Master Gardener Association and Purdue Cooperative Extension.
Bronze Level Advanced Master Gardener
Earned Bronze Level recognition through the Purdue Master Gardener Program.
Silver Level Advanced Master Gardener
Earned Silver Level recognition through the Purdue Master Gardener Program.
Gold Level Advanced Master Gardener
Earned Gold Level recognition through the Purdue Master Gardener Program.
Herbal, Horticultural & Food-Safety Education
My specialized education includes herbology, container gardening, garden planning, perennial identification, plant health, agricultural safety, produce safety and food handling.
Basic Herbology Systematic Approach
Training certificate from The Herb School.
May 17, 2001The Art and Science of Container Gardening
Certificate of Achievement from The Horticulture Gardening Institute, Michigan State University.
September 10, 2004The Art and Science of SMARTGARDEN
Certificate of Completion from The Horticulture Gardening Institute, Michigan State University.
January 28, 2005Herbaceous Perennials for Sun
Certificate of Completion in identification, culture and attributes from The Horticulture Gardening Institute, Michigan State University.
June 10, 2005Herbaceous Perennials for Shade
Certificate of Completion in identification, culture and attributes from The Horticulture Gardening Institute, Michigan State University.
June 17, 2006First Detector Training
Completed the National Plant Diagnostic Network core First Detector training modules through the Purdue online crop biosecurity program.
April 22, 2009ServSafe Food Handler
Completed the ServSafe Food Handler Employee Food Safety Online Course and Exam through the National Restaurant Association.
May 10, 2023Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
Successfully completed the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course through a remote-delivery program.
April 16, 2025ServSafe Food Handler Renewal
Completed updated ServSafe Food Handler training through ServSafe and the National Restaurant Association.
May 18, 2026Naturalist & Conservation Credentials
My conservation work includes naturalist education, habitat creation, pollinator support, wildlife observation and public education about the natural world.
Indiana Master Naturalist Coursework
Completed the educational course component of the Indiana Master Naturalist program, beginning a long-term path of naturalist education and volunteer service.
2010Indiana Master Naturalist
Completed the workshop and volunteer requirements to become an Indiana Master Naturalist.
April 11, 2026Advanced Indiana Master Naturalist
Completing the continuing-education and volunteer requirements for Advanced Indiana Master Naturalist recognition.
In progress - 2026National Garden Clubs Pollinator Garden Certification
Pollinator Garden Certification presented by National Garden Clubs through its Plant America - Plant for Pollinators program.
April 27, 2024 Certification No. 276Cornell NestWatch Nest Monitor Certification
Completed Nest Monitor Certification through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch program.
CertifiedCertified Wildlife Habitat
Recognized by the National Wildlife Federation for establishing and maintaining an official wildlife habitat.
Certified Habitat No. 77285Monarch Waystation
Recognized by Monarch Watch for creating and maintaining habitat that supports monarch reproduction and migration.
Certified Waystation No. 03746Bee Friendly Gardening Member
Pollinator Partnership recognition for a demonstrated commitment to the health of pollinators and the planet.
Since May 18, 2026Awards & Community Recognition
These awards and certificates recognize my presentations, community education, garden-club leadership, volunteer service and public gardening projects.
Gas City Kiwanis Certificate of Appreciation
Presented in recognition of my educational presentation on growing and using herbs.
2003First Place - Yearbooks, Class A
Certificate of Award presented by The Garden Club of Indiana, Inc. for the Grant County Evening Garden Club yearbook.
2006National Garden Clubs Certificate of Appreciation
Presented to the Grant County Evening Garden Club for furthering the goals and objectives of National Garden Clubs through participation in the national awards program.
RecognitionGarden Club of Marion Certificate of Appreciation
Presented in appreciation of my leadership and creativity on the Kids Library Project and for providing educational workshops.
2025Professional Programs & Memberships
These memberships support my work in agriculture, conservation, pollinator education and locally produced food and farm products.
Indiana Grown Member
Exotic Gardening Farm is recognized through Indiana Grown, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's agricultural marketing program.
MemberPollinator Partnership Bee Friendly Gardening
Member of the Bee Friendly Gardening program supporting healthy pollinator habitats and responsible gardening practices.
2026Education Backed by Real-World Experience
My credentials are only one part of the story. I bring together professional training, decades of hands-on gardening and homesteading experience, broadcasting and digital-media education, published work, conservation service and practical teaching to help people live beautifully and self-sufficiently.
Contact Sheri Ann