Sheri Effres, nee Nissinger, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Bess Nissinger, a homemaker, and Sidney Nissinger, a pharmacist. The youngest of 3, she was raised in southern New Jersey. Sheri's parents worked long hours together at their pharmacy. To entertain herself at home, Sheri spent much time drawing and writing stories. Shortly after the passing of her father, when she was 10 years old, Sheri and her mother moved to Los Angeles. Her interest in art led her to pursue an art history/studio art degree at UCLA. After graduating from UCLA, she entered The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, graduating with a degree in Fashion Design. Sheri established a company called The Ultimate Head Trip, designing and manufacturing one-of-a-kind ornate and unusual hair bows and accessories which she sold throughout the United States. After marrying and having children, Sheri became an elementary school teacher, enjoying a teaching career until her children were in high school. Always interested in theater, she began performing in local productions in and around Los Angeles. This led her to pursue acting for film and television. Sheri has studied with Amy Lyndon, Margie Haber, Scott Sedita and The Upright Citizens Brigade. She studies ongoing with The Howard Fine Studio and The Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop. At the 2021 Marina Del Rey Film Festival, Sheri was awarded Best Micro Short-Comedy for her film, Outdoor Dining Only, which she wrote, acted in, directed and produced.