Meet Suzanne.
Over the span of 35 years, I've been a school psychologist, Director of Special Education, and an administrator of several federal projects within schools. I'm also a mother of five children, grandmother of 12 children, and great grandmother of 8 children. Through my life experiences, I've discovered that the most important thing I could teach children to prevent future behavior issues, was how to experience and understand their hearts. Once they experienced their hearts, they found their humanity, laying the foundation for consistent positive behavioral changes.
When I retired, I wanted to expand this work with children. I authored a curriculum entitled “Catch Bullying Behavior Before it Begins,” which includes an award-winning children’s picture book geared towards the social and emotional development of young children. I also developed a character education curriculum for middle school and high school students entitled, “Teen Vision.”
I've volunteered for many non-profit organizations including fundraising for The Hunger Project and serving as chairperson of the Interracial Sisterhood Project (ISP). When I was with ISP we created a youth forum entitled "Racial Harmony" that we held for many high schools and colleges. From this important work, The United Nations invited me to speak at an event called “Global Perspectives to End Racial Discrimination.”
My dedication to giving children the self confidence to form positive and lasting relationships came from my own experiences of being bullied. When I was eight years old and in the third grade, my parents sent me to an exclusive private school. I was there during the week and went home for weekends. After being tested, I was placed into the 4th-6th grade classes and dormitory with children older and bigger than I was. I was continuously bullied and tormented and the bullying left a scar that I carried into my adult years. The memories are as vivid today as they were when it was happening. Luckily, my parents understood what was happening and after a few months, I left this school and came home. This incidence launched me onto the path of being a strong advocate for children and creating strategies and programs that give children self confidence and resilience.
When I retired, I wanted to expand this work with children. I authored a curriculum entitled “Catch Bullying Behavior Before it Begins,” which includes an award-winning children’s picture book geared towards the social and emotional development of young children. I also developed a character education curriculum for middle school and high school students entitled, “Teen Vision.”
I've volunteered for many non-profit organizations including fundraising for The Hunger Project and serving as chairperson of the Interracial Sisterhood Project (ISP). When I was with ISP we created a youth forum entitled "Racial Harmony" that we held for many high schools and colleges. From this important work, The United Nations invited me to speak at an event called “Global Perspectives to End Racial Discrimination.”
My dedication to giving children the self confidence to form positive and lasting relationships came from my own experiences of being bullied. When I was eight years old and in the third grade, my parents sent me to an exclusive private school. I was there during the week and went home for weekends. After being tested, I was placed into the 4th-6th grade classes and dormitory with children older and bigger than I was. I was continuously bullied and tormented and the bullying left a scar that I carried into my adult years. The memories are as vivid today as they were when it was happening. Luckily, my parents understood what was happening and after a few months, I left this school and came home. This incidence launched me onto the path of being a strong advocate for children and creating strategies and programs that give children self confidence and resilience.
Education
- Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology
- Pupil Personnel Credential
- Advanced Training in Neuropsychology
Meet Patty.
Patty O’Rourke combines her years of experience in the arts with the digital world. A native San Franciscan, devoted to a love of natural beauty, she integrates her vibrant paintings on canvas with her rich photographic images.
Mother, grandmother and artist, having served as director in one of several art affiliations, Patty now owns an art company, known as “The Fine Art of Giclee”, producing museum quality giclees, limited editions, and art greeting cards. With the experienced eye of the artist, Patty strives to uplift the spirit of the viewer.
Mother, grandmother and artist, having served as director in one of several art affiliations, Patty now owns an art company, known as “The Fine Art of Giclee”, producing museum quality giclees, limited editions, and art greeting cards. With the experienced eye of the artist, Patty strives to uplift the spirit of the viewer.