About Suzanne: Welcome to Divergentland

In a world where middle school education and adolescent development are often misunderstood, Suzanne Swain brings a unique blend of classroom mastery, administrative insight, and therapeutic expertise to guide parents, educators, and students through these formative years.

With over 15 years of dedicated service to education and youth development, Suzanne stands as a beacon of compassion and expertise in the middle school landscape. Her journey began in the classroom, where she earned recognition as Putnam County Middle School Teacher of the Year and achieved the remarkable distinction of consistently placing her students in the top 5% of state writing assessment scores. This wasn't just about academic achievement—it was about empowering young voices during one of life's most challenging transitions.

What sets Suzanne apart is her rare combination of educational leadership and clinical therapy credentials. As both a highly qualified educator with multiple advanced degrees and a clinical social worker, she brings a holistic understanding to adolescent development that few can match:

• In the Classroom: Award-winning teaching with proven results (4.5/5 on state evaluation rubrics)
• As an Administrator: Experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and educational leadership
• As a Therapist: Specialized training in CBT and DBT therapies to address the emotional and social challenges unique to middle school students

Like the beloved Mary Poppins character, Suzanne combines practical solutions with genuine warmth. Her podcast offers a safe space where difficult topics—from school anxiety and social pressures to educational challenges and parenting dilemmas—are addressed with both expertise and empathy.

Parents and educators consistently describe Suzanne as someone who listens deeply, offers clear guidance without judgment, and truly understands the delicate balance of supporting adolescents while encouraging their independence.

Suzanne's impact on education extends beyond her classroom walls:

• Professional Development Leader: Trained over 3,000 teachers in effective educational strategies
• Innovative Program Developer: Created writing frameworks adopted at the state level
• Grant Recipient: Successfully acquired numerous educational grants to enhance student experiences
• Advocate: Passionate voice for student safety, educational equity, and mental wellness