Hello!  My name is Susan Verhaalen and I am proud to join the team at Ebenezer Avenue Elementary as a School Psychologist.  I grew up among the beautiful Appalachian Mountains in Charleston, West Virginia and I have a passion for social justice.  I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of South Carolina in Columbia. After becoming a mother, I realized that I wanted to use my skills to foster equity for students with special needs. I earned my Master of Arts in Psychology and my Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from Marshall University.  For the first 18 years of my career, I served students in Lancaster County, South Carolina - ranging in ages from Pre-Kindergarten through High School.   

I am a proud mom to Chloe, who graduated from Winthrop University and is living her dream as a Stage Manager in New York City. In my spare time I enjoy visiting family, friends, and neighbors, and hanging out with my labradoodle, Timber. I have been fortunate to have traveled to several cultures overseas and enjoy exploring cultural diversity in our own backyard.  I am excited about the new school year and the opportunity it brings to build relationships with students and families (in all their beautiful forms).  Ebenezer Avenue Elementary is a great place to grow, learn, and make memories that will last a lifetime.  I’m so glad you’re here.