Suzan was born in Omaha , Nebraska .  She obtained her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida in 1989 and her Juris Doctorate from Florida State University in 1991.  While a law student, she volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem and was a founding partner of the Florida State University Children's Advocacy Center .

She has extensive experience in Family Law, having been previously employed by the Orange County Legal Aid Society and practicing primarily in this area.  Suzan also acted as Professor of Legal Studies at Southern College in Orlando from 1993 to 2000, and served as their Legal Studies Department Chair from 1997 to 2000.

She is actively involved with the Osceola County Guardian Ad Litem program.