Suzanne has been a Needham resident for 22 years. She grew up in Sudbury and received her Masters in Social Work from Boston University. After working in social work for 18 years, she opted for a more flexible life to immerse herself into her community through volunteer activities and become a realtor.

Suzanne is the Cradles to Crayons Community Coordinator — this year being its 10th year. The event is held at Needham High School with 150 volunteers. She organizes and runs the annual “Needham Gives Back” event where they sort, inspect and pack essentials. These are gently used clothes, books and toys for needy kids.

Suzanne was the Eliot School PTC President and Community Service Coordinator. She started a food pantry program for 3rd graders and each year the school collects carloads of cereal and the kids learn about giving to families in need.

Other activities that Suzanne has participated in are many: She is active with “Welcome New Members” committee at temple. She is part of the 100 Women of Needham group, dedicated to charitable causes, 5 years as Chair of the Beth Israel Deaconess Needham’s Patient and Family Advisory Council. She has also volunteered for 5 years with Tenacity, a program that tutors high risk kids from Boston Public schools; is part of CASA, court appointed special advocate for kids involved in abuse and neglect, ensuring safe and permanent homes. Suzanne is a mentor and ski instructor with Youth Enrichment Services of Great Boston, a coordinator for the American Cancer Society “We Can Weekend” for cancer patients and their families, and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Boston where she tutors for new immigrants learning to speak English.