Cherese Riggs

Cherese Riggs of Sallisaw thought teaching would be her main career choice after graduation.

However, Riggs, who is part owner of Viewpoint Counseling Center in Sallisaw, has always had a heart for children and realized there are many things that can keep children from learning. That’s why she decided to further her education to become a mental health counselor.

“In order for children to learn, they have to have a clear path and some things may keep them from reaching their learning potential,” Riggs said.

Riggs earned several degrees, beginning at Carl Albert State College in Sallisaw, followed by NSU in Tahlequah, and finished with a masters from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark.

She now serves as a clinical director for the business she and her husband operate together on Choctaw Street.

“I handle everything clinical,” she said. “We see a lot of children with ADHD, autism, depression, and other mental issues. We also work with adults. It seems after COVID-19, mental health has become the focus of a lot of people, so we counsel adults, too.”

Together, she and her husband, Michael, oversee the business which opened its doors on July 1, 2012. She handles such things as testing and processing her clients, while her husband takes care of billing, payroll and other business related duties, she said.

Riggs said she was born in Oklahoma City. Her parents are from Sallisaw but moved to Oklahoma City to compensate her father’s employment. Her family moved back to the community when she was three years old. She has always considered Sallisaw her home, she said.

Riggs graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1999. She received her masters in counseling in 2011. Prior to that, Riggs obtained a bachelors of science degree in Special Education from NSU. She and her husband have three children, three grandchildren and a new grand baby on the way.

The two met in high school. Both Riggs and her husband have taught Special Ed at Roland School at different times.

“I think Sallisaw’s a great community and it’s a great place to raise a family,” she said. “We’ve raised all our children here. Our youngest is now a senior at Sallisaw High School.”

During her down time, Riggs said she enjoys cross stitching and painting.

“I love the water. I’m glad we live in an area where there are lakes and rivers. My favorite thing to do is go to the beach when we can,” she said.

Riggs said in the 11 years she has worked as a counselor, she has served about 2,340 clients. She also visits schools throughout the county to offer counseling services when needed.

“I love doing what I do. I love helping people. I think the best thing about the work I do is listening to people’s stories,” she said. “I love knowing that they can find peace and learn to cope with life after counseling and just being able to help them.”

Just Folks is Your TIMES way of honoring the regular people of Sequoyah County, recognizing their unique talents, personalities, jobs, abilities, etc. Your TIMES appreciates the cooperation of each Just Folks and the public’s nominations for this feature. If you know of someone you think might be a good story, contact Amie or Lynn at 918775-4433.