Susan has been married to her husband, Charlie, for 26 years. They live in Franklin, TN, and have two adult children, Jacob (24) and Anna (22). Before engaging in story work, she often dismissed or minimized her own experiences of harm, leaning on a spirit of optimism that kept her from taking her wounds seriously and from being deeply curious about the stories of others. In 2011, while walking through profound loss and pain, she encountered the book Bold Love by Dr. Dan Allender and Dr. Tremper Longman. Its counsel offered exactly what her heart needed, opening the door to a new season of healing and growth.
Many years later, Susan participated in story groups and completed Narrative-Focused Trauma Care I and II at The Allender Center. As her group and counselors bore witness to her trauma, she began to recognize the unique ways she reflects the glory of God. That journey deepened her calling to become a Narrative Trauma Story Coach and to serve others with the same courage and care she once received.
Susan holds a degree in Play Therapy from the University of Tennessee — a background that quietly informs the way she facilitates. The neuroscience supports it too — Stuart Brown, Bessel van der Kolk, and others have shown that play activates the same neural pathways disrupted by trauma, helping regulate the nervous system and rebuild a sense of safety in the body.
Susan is confident that as we share our stories with one another, we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
