Susan Rizzo, Masters in Education

Susan Rizzo graduated Suma Cum Laude from Queens College in New York.  She earned her BA degree in Psychology and was particularly enamored with behavior modification.  Combining her knowledge in this area with her love of dogs, she decided to do an apprenticeship that used behavior modification to train dogs after graduation.  It turned into something she loved, and she started her own successful business called, “Proper Puppy”, which she ran in NY for many years before starting up again in Connecticut when she relocated.  She has trained hundreds of dogs and still does some training in her retirement.

From Dog Trainer to Teacher

In 1993, Susan was chatting with her six-year old son, David, about what he wanted to be when he grew up. At that point in time, he wanted to be a fireman. His next response surprised her when he asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up, Mommy?” With David’s sincere “out of the mouths of babes” question, Susan shared that she would have become a teacher, if she could do it all over again. Susan told David that it was too late for her to do this. To this, of course, he asked, “Why?” and continued to ask “why” to every reason Susan presented him.

As a result of her wise son’s insistent form of logic, Susan eventually asked herself, “Why not?” While dog training was great, Susan made the decision to begin a new chapter in her life. She went back to school at Sacred Heart University, while simultaneously engaging in an internship at an elementary school to further her experience in the field. Susan once again graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Master’s Degree in Education. She began her teaching career in 1995.

Love for Teaching

Susan quickly fell in love with teaching and taught grades 3 -5 for 20 years in Meriden, CT. Her favorite subjects to teach were reading and writing. Susan takes great pride in the wonderful accomplishments her students made. Her students scored the highest in her district on all standardized testing. She earned an excellent reputation in her field.

Retirement – The Next Chapter

In 2014, Susan retired from teaching and relocated to Wilmington, NC with her beloved husband, John, their three wonderful dogs, and one adorable guinea pig, who seems to think she rules the roost!

Writing has always been Susan’s passion and one of her favorite pastimes. She has written scores of poems for all occasions, but “Brothers” is her first published novel. 

In addition, Susan loves to read, go to the gym, and to the beach.  She enjoys riding bikes, scheduling lunch dates with friends, and playing Pickleball.  Susan finds peace and relaxation during her long walks with her dogs, and playing with her guinea pig gives her great joy. She absolutely loves retirement and claims it is definitely all it’s cracked up to be!