Saying yes is innate for Susan. It began at summer camp in northern Minnesota. Listening to the loons’ call every night filled her with wonderment that inspired her to be curious. Living amongst the birch and aspen trees and waking up every morning with choices to explore something new instilled a passion for learning and trying new things. Sometimes a yes, became a fierce, “I’m not doing that again,” and more often, it became an adventure with a group of her fellow campers or paddling alone in a canoe. Jumping in a freezing lake, making a campfire with one match, and seeing the northern lights were first time experiences that she credits for creating confidence to say yes to life. 

 

After embracing all the fresh air, Susan was ready to live in big cities. College in Boston, a job at MTV in New York, and producing a TV show in Los Angeles - she tried it all, learning and growing from all the mistakes made along the way. The biggest yes of all came when she and her husband decided to adopt two babies. The new family of four moved to the stunning environment of Santa Barbara, where they raised their daughters to be interested and ask questions. It was after spending endless hours in their favorite bookstore that Susan was motivated to write two young-adult non-fiction books. A move to Dayton, Ohio twelve years later created another adventure in trying something new, and Susan discovered her professional happy place after serendipitously landing a job in the admissions office at an independent school. She loved going to work every day for 15 years. Connecting with people is Susan’s passion. An admitted extrovert, she is infused with energy when hearing people’s stories.

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