During high school, I had two particularly wonderful teachers who took me under their wings. This inspired me to become a classroom teacher. I went to Penn State, studied and partied, and did my student teaching at an elementary school in North Philadelphia while going to Temple to get a master’s degree in elementary education. I had 42 fifth graders, and one was 16 years old! What a challenging adventure. This work led to an appointment to help develop and implement a Philadelphia School District program for mentally gifted children. From this experience, I developed a deep interest in group processes. So, I enrolled in a master’s Program in group process and group psychotherapy at Hahnemann University. Upon graduation, I taught a few courses to the undergraduates. During my career in the mental health field, I worked with community mental health centers, group homes, and finally, with families and special needs children. I was a mobile therapist and behavior specialist and found myself running wrap-around service programs in five counties. I have a special passion and rich experience in working with gifted children and special needs gifted children. A strong desire is to brainstorm with other educators to develop programming for the problems of bullying, using the skills and talents of gifted children. 

 Along the way, I have pursued many hobbies. I immersed myself in all kinds of science fiction and was enthralled with the books of Robert Heinlein. I started to love being outdoors and gardening. I think I would give up a wonderful meal to shake my booty on the dance floor, inspired by the soul-tapping sounds of disco and Motown. Knitting, sewing, making “rustic” Christmas ornaments and gift wrapping have filled me with joy. In the past two years, I have unexpectedly dabbled in cooking. I do like quick hand-eye coordination computer games like Bejeweled. Being at the beach is like a sanctuary for me. In my 30s, I participated in the flea market subculture and watched Antiques Roadshow whenever I could. I also worked at Gracie’s restaurant, where I so enjoyed multitasking, and miss waitressing to this day. Did I mention my now almost obsession with gardening? Nothing outside of that moment exists when I am in the garden, while I try to make something beautiful. 

 I have been drawn to meditation, yoga, and massage during my work life. I took seminars, attended classes, and did cycles of regular practice of the interest of the moment. During the ’90s, I became intrigued with the Trager Approach and took the entire basic training, which deepened my interest in movement as medicine. Almost simultaneously, I became aware of the pilates reformer. I could not find local studio classes or training. I went to a studio on the Main Line and took some classes, bought myself a reformer and all the videotapes I could find, then took classes and became a certified pilates reformer instructor. For one year, I taught reformer classes at a local studio and then decided, with my husband Ken, to open REALITY PILATES REFORMER. This is a chapter in my life that allows me to take joy in taking care of myself… and this is a four-year journey that seems to get better every day.

My husband Ken passed away in June 2020 and is sorely missed.

Before becoming a massage therapist, Susan worked with children first as a preschool teacher and then as a nanny for six years.  When the child she cared for began school full-time, she went to massage school and has been a licensed massage therapist since 1998.  In 1999, she began working with a chiropractor, who helped her look at the body comprehensively and encouraged her to take specific classes to support alignment and balance in our bodies.  She has studied and can incorporate the following modalities in her bodywork practice:

Medical Massage/Deep Tissue Massage Techniques:

Orthopedic Massage/Nerve Decompression (James Waslaski)

Neuromuscular Therapy (St. John Method)

Kinesio-Taping

Massage Cupping (Certified Massage Cupping Practitioner)

Myofascial Release (Howard Rontal~Rolfing based method)

Active Isolated Stretching (Mattes Method)

Craniosacral Therapy (Upledger Institute)

Oncology Massage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Chikly)

Indian Head Massage

Scientific Swedish Massage (for when you want to REALLY relax)

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Susan’s healing sessions are nurturing and unique, combining advanced massage therapy techniques, intuitive guidance, and energy work.  This combination sets her work apart, allowing the client the opportunity for complete healing. 

Drum circles have been a source of joy since attending her first one in 2001.  Having trouble finding local circles, she was guided to find a way to create her own.  In 2012, she took a drum circle facilitator workshop with Jim Donovan (former drummer of Rusted Root).  Now, she offers monthly Drum Circles. It’s her favorite energy release/high, and they are SO MUCH FUN…playtime for grown-ups!

In 2015, Susan began offering massage therapy to members of Reality Pilates.  The owner, Dianna, trained her private teacher to become a Pilates instructor.  In the summer of 2016, with much success, Susan began leading classes targeting specific issues and working with individuals with chronic pain issues.  Her own healing journey using the reformer to stabilize her sacrum (lower back) has been profound, and she is excited to share this amazing healing tool with others.

If you have any questions, or would like to reserve a spot in class, please call/text Susan at 610-733-8233 or email [email protected] or visit Serenity Achieved for more information about Susan and the services she offers.