For 19 years, Susan operated a state-registered in-home family child care program in Rapid Valley, where she dedicated her work to fostering children’s growth and development in a nurturing, play-based environment. She held a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, earned in 2006, and achieved Wunderled certification in 2022.

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Throughout her career, Susan demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting children with unique needs and mentoring fellow providers. Her program was rooted in nature-based and Reggio-inspired practices, and she was in the process of becoming officially certified as a nature-based program when tragedy struck her family, resulting in the loss of their home to fire.

Susan’s leadership extended beyond her own program—she served on the Family Child Care Professionals of South Dakota board for 14 years and contributed to her local child care board for many years. She continues to share her expertise and passion through training and professional development, focusing on topics such as Loose Parts play, nature-based learning, and the importance of intentional environments in early childhood education.

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Susan and her husband moved to Rapid City in 1996, where they raised their three sons—each of whom now works in the trades locally. Outside of work, Susan enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, reading, and being with her two dogs, Timber and Koda.