collaborating on liberatory spaces & practices

Susan is a phenomenal facilitator and strategist working at the intersection of the arts, popular education, and organizational development. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with her across a range of settings, from planning international education initiatives as a community organizer, to developing strategic retreats and partnerships. She magnifies and strengthens every project she takes on through her rigorous curiosity. She brings both big picture thinking, while also being incredibly process oriented and deeply attuned to the specific nuances of each context she is supporting. As an artist herself, she infuses her approach with opportunities for “art thinking” that allow for truly transformative experiences.

Adjoa Jones de Almeida I executive director, Forman Arts Institute

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Susan is a transformer.  She led our team through a process of collaborative creation. The year after we finished our work with Susan, our program was recognized by the White House as one of the top 10 out-of-school programs in the nation. I know for a fact that our work with her got us there.  Whatever she touches is changed – more powerful, more impactful and more purposeful.

Robyne Walker Murphy I nonprofit leader, cultural curator & former executive director of Groundswell NYC

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​Susan is unlike any other person in her field. When you think about a curriculum developer, you often think about a translator or a transcriber - someone with the technical ability to take your words and convert them into another language or format.  We call Susan the master interpreter.  She has the magic ability to hear your dreams, imagination, hopes, and rhythms and shape them into something that can belong to everyone. She understands culture, art AND education and can bring them all together to create a fuller expression of the work you are putting out into the world.  Working with Susan was so affirming - both the process and the final product. She made us feel so incredibly seen and heard. 

Aida Cuadrado Bozzo & Trish Adobea Tchume, Calling in & Up Pedagogy

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Susan has an incisive approach to organizational strategy, and her knowledge of social justice education and keen understanding of the dynamic contexts in which social change organizations work cannot be overstated. She facilitated an effort to operationalize our new mission and strategic plan. Her embedded approach built off the team’s existing expertise and was a refreshing contrast to more traditional consultancies. The result is a set of programs and processes tightly aligned with our core values and historic best practices, and the creation of an array of frameworks and rubrics that have been integrated into our ongoing planning.​

Candice Anderson I  executive director, Cool Culture

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Susan is the quintessential educator, a leader who has mastered the art of teaching. Whether designing leadership programs and curriculum for schools and youth organizations, facilitating workshops on critical social issues, or training educators on best practices, she is a true expert. Equally impactful in a university classroom, a community organization, or mentoring one-on-one, Susan has the ability to connect with people, tapping into their natural love of learning and encouraging them to develop their moral compass, critical thinking and potential. 

Jason Warwin I  co-founder, The Brotherhood/Sister Sol

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It’s no exaggeration to state that Susan is one of the most innovative thinkers in education and human development. She has this elegant ability to succinctly and lovingly guide widely different perspectives in pursuit of a collective goal, whether it be young people, adult teachers, artists, or academics. She starts with each person’s humanity and the brilliance folds out from there generously.

Leigh Patel I educator, writer, sociologist

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