Meet Susan! Every day, Horizon’s Medical Provider team delivers life-saving care to our patients. Among them is Susan, Horizon’s Director of Children Psychiatry Services, based at our Hertel-Elmwood location. With a career in the medical field that began in 1990, Susan brings decades of experience, compassion, and dedication to her role. Since joining Horizon in 2017, Susan has been a steady and caring presence for countless patients. Keep reading to learn more about Susan’s inspiring career and the passion that drives her work!
What are your main focuses of practice?
My passion lies in working with children and adolescents who are navigating the challenges of mental health and substance use disorders – I’ve always envisioned being able to address youths in need and provide them with help. This age group holds a special place in my heart; they’re at such a formative stage in life, and the right support can make all the difference.
What other areas of the medical field have you worked in prior to Horizon?
Before joining Horizon, I spent 25 years working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital—a place where I witnessed both the fragility and resilience of life every day. That experience shaped me deeply, fueling my commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care. Driven by a desire to expand my impact, I returned to school to earn my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
After completing my degree, I transitioned into academia, serving as a full-time Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo’s School of Nursing. Teaching future healthcare professionals was incredibly rewarding, and it gave me a new perspective on the importance of mentorship and education in shaping the next generation of providers. I also worked at Renaissance Addiction Services inpatient for over 5 years treating adolescents with substance use disorders and obtained my advanced certification in addiction medicine (CARN-AP).
I also completed my dissertation at Oishei Children’s Hospital teaching and training nurses and doctor how to recognize and Acute Stress Disorder in a PICU.
What’s your why? (What makes Horizon special to you? What motivates you to contribute your best every day?)
At Horizon, I’ve found a place where my passion for patient care aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission, “Together for Recovery. Changing Lives. Saving Lives.” I truly believe in what we stand for, providing compassionate, individualized mental health care to every person who walks through our doors. In a large organization like ours, it’s essential that each individual and family feels seen, heard, and valued. Sometimes, that means taking a few extra minutes to listen to someone’s story or simply being present in a moment of vulnerability. Those small gestures can make a big difference.
I also maintain an open-door policy with my teams—whether it’s to discuss a case, ask a question, or just stop by to say hello. Creating a culture of openness and support among colleagues is just as important as the care we provide for our patients.
What would you want a patient or family member to know about our services and treatment?
We are an interdisciplinary team, and our mission is to always deliver patient centered coordinated care. We are also committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
Click here to learn more about Horizon’s Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine Department.
If you or a loved one are struggling, Horizon is here to help. Call our team at 716-831-1800 to connect and make an appointment with our trained professionals.