Cheryl Cannon had been recognized as an exemplary mathematics educator locally, within the state, and nationally when a pathogenic mold exposure made it impossible for her to continue teaching in public venues. She had developed multiple chemical sensitivities. Her daughter, conceived during this period, developed similar sensitivities as she grew. Both suffered adverse reactions to perfumes in most grooming products, cleaning chemicals, outgassing of new plastics and carpeting, and common molds found in most public buildings.

Cheryl created Oasis School so that she could continue to teach, and so that her daughter could learn in an environment where they were not subjected daily to chemical assault. The first three years between four and six students attended school in Cheryl's home. When the oldest of these children were ready for middle school in 2002, Cheryl expanded the school to encompass 24 students in grades 3 through 8. She invited another well-known language arts teacher, Phyllis Ferguson, to join the Oasis staff and found a location in which a larger number of students could meet. During the next several years the school grew steadily and in 2003 it became a nonprofit [501(c)3] corporation. In 2005, Oasis School was recognized by the EPA for its efforts to protect the environmental health of children.

Oasis expanded again for the 2006-2007 school year, adding another 12 students in kindergarten through 2nd grade, for a total of 36 students. Phyllis took over as Director, with her energy and long-term vision for the school, as we remodeled and moved into a new facility at 1280 Lee Blvd in Richland. Another outstanding teacher, Wystie Edwards, came on board, eager to join the Oasis community.