Susan graduated in Graphic Design in 1981 and worked for four years for an international design agency including periods in their Paris and Singapore studios. In 1986 she moved into community arts practice and management, bringing strong creative, business and promotional skills to a diverse portfolio of freelance roles. That year she met Kathy Levin, founder of US intergenerational charity Magic Me, and intrigued by the idea of creative work linking young and older people, began a period of practical research in Tower Hamlets and two other London Boroughs. Following the success of this pilot phase, Susan recruited a team of committed Trustees and in 1989 founded Magic Me; she continues to lead its development and growth.
Susan now has 25 years experience designing, delivering, and managing creative intergenerational projects in a vast range of settings and situations. She is a nationally recognised specialist in intergenerational work. Publications include, for Magic Me: ‘Sharing the Experience’ (2001 co-author) Getting Everybody Included(2001 co-author) and articles for specialist press in education, care and the arts. She is an Advisory Group member for the UK Centre for Intergenerational Practice.
In 2007 Susan was honoured to be chosen by Prime Minister Gordon Brown as one of 33 people described in his book Britain’s Everyday Heroes.
Mr Brown wrote:
“With gentleness and determination in equal measure, Susan has built a powerful model that is breaking down prejudice, building connections and touching lives.”
Susan was awarded an MBE for services to the charity Magic Me in the June 2010 Birthday Honours.