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Lived experience inspired the mission. Financial services experience informs the education.
Cheryl Canzanella, CLU®, ChSNC®, LUTCF®, CAP®, is a financial services professional, speaker and educator whose work brings together lived experience, more than 25 years in financial services and a commitment to helping professionals approach the financial consequences of substance use disorder with greater understanding and compassion.
The story behind the mission
A personal loss revealed a financial conversation that was often missing.
Personal experience explains why the work exists. Research, professional experience and appropriate scope guide how the education is delivered.
After losing her husband, Colin, to an accidental opioid overdose, Cheryl saw firsthand that the consequences extend well beyond treatment and health. Families may also face profound financial decisions during addiction, recovery, caregiving and loss.
That experience became the foundation for Coastal Life Strategies and Opioid Financial Awareness: education designed to help trusted professionals understand the financial realities families may be navigating and approach those conversations with care.
Professional reach and recognition.
Selected professional audiences
- Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)
- National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
- Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS)
- Life Happens
- Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA)
- Cayman International Insurance
- Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists
- Ameriprise advisory audiences
Selected past audiences. Inclusion does not imply endorsement, sponsorship or partnership.
Media & industry coverage
Leadership & recognition
- B.S., Palm Beach Atlantic University
- CLU®, ChSNC®, LUTCF®, CAP®
- WIFS Northeast Florida founding leadership
- NAIFA leadership and professional recognition
- Jacksonville Business Journal Top 40 Under 40
For Cheryl’s broader biography and speaking work, visit CherylCanzanella.com.
What audiences say
“Her commitment to this problem is deeply felt whenever you speak to her. She is an amazing motivational speaker.”
“I highly recommend you invite Cheryl to speak to help educate how the opioid epidemic is affecting families, businesses and the industry.”
“May we all take Cheryl’s story to heart and learn how best to financially protect families and loved ones from the damage this disease can inflict.”
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