Rev. Susie is a Pastor’s Kid (PK) who grew up in parsonages all over the Detroit Conference. She attended Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University where she majored in Music Education with a minor in Business Management. Following graduation, Rev. Susie enjoyed a sixteen-year career in management and training.
In 2010, Susie answered God’s call to ministry and, together with her family, moved to Evanston, Illinois to attend Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. While in seminary, she interned at Winnetka Congregational Church on the North Shore of Chicago. Her areas of focus included Christian Education and Worship.
Susie graduated in May 2013 with a Master of Divinity. She was commissioned as a Provisional Elder on the day after graduation and appointed to serve at St. Ignace UMC from 2013 to 2019. Susie was ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in 2016. In 2019, Susie was appointed to serve at Birmingham First as the Director of Children & Family Ministries. In the 5 years she served there, her area of focus shifted to Associate Pastor of Discipleship, Pastor of Modern Worship, and twice she was called upon to lead the congregation in the extended absence of the Senior Pastor.
Rev. Susie has also served the Michigan Area Conference in a variety of ways including chair of the Executive Committee of the former Marquette District, conference trainer for the Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons Policy, and is currently on the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Residency Team.
Rev. Susie has been married to her husband, Craig, for thirty years this July! Craig is a Black Hat Cook and New Restaurant Trainer for First Watch, currently working at the location on Woodward Avenue at 13 Mile Road. They have three daughters, one son in law, and one grandson. Katie (26) is married to Kyle (27). They live in Bay City and are raising their son Calvin, age 2, who is an absolute joy. Hannah (almost 22) has recently moved to the Saginaw area to begin a new career path and enjoy being an independent young adult. Nicole (17) will be a senior in the fall at Groves High School. Nicole is an honor student who is looking at universities and career options for the future. They also have two cats, Scotty (orange and white) and Vader (black).
Rev. Susie believes that there is room at the table for everybody and she is passionate about helping people discover God’s love and grace for themselves. She has a collaborative leadership style, enjoys ministry with all ages of people, and feels blessed to be invited to journey with people through the joys and struggles of life.
