Suzy Ryan is an author, educator, Ironman athlete, and SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) survivor. After twenty-plus years of teaching bright-eyed, enthusiastic pupils and tired-eyed, apathetic ones, and everything in between, Suzy realized each and every student had a story to tell—some even as traumatic as her own. Her debut novel, Saving Summer, was born out of a desire to offer a bridge of hope for students, encouraging them to see themselves as victors rather than victims. Awarded Valley Middle School’s teacher of the year in 2020, Suzy now teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grades at Carlsbad Seaside Academy. A Kansas native turned California girl, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three adult children.
About Suzy Ryan
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I have three adult children and are expecting our first grandchild this fall. We enjoy playing games as a family.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I teach high school and middle school English at CSA–an independent study program in Carlsbad in the CUSD district. Since I work more one one-on-one with students, I get to know them better, which is the best part of my job.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Forgive fast and love fiercely!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Speaking to audiences to encourage them that they are victors and not victims, and that the adversity in their lives will be transformed into resilience.
Suzy Ryan & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Jake’s Del Mar, Naked Cafe, and Campfire
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
35 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Al Wanamaker, owner of Al’s Cafe, Carlsbad, before he retired.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Pollos Maria, Carlsbad
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Carlsbad’s small-town village and hamlet vibe.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Tatum O’Neal: This beautiful and precious saint has endured a lifetime of suffering and struggling in the public eye. Despite this terrible burden, she has been a warrior of overcoming adversity, trying to become the mom and dad that she didn’t have and create the family that she longed for her whole life. Her life reminds me of mine, and after I read her book, I was inspired to finish Saving Summer. Growing up, we both just wanted to be loved, and instead of love, we were rejected by people who were supposed to love us, and the need for approval ignited in us a performance-based security to try to prove we were lovable. The rejection we faced wasn’t personable, but it was painful, so I’d like to tell her that I understand and that I admire her tenacity and give her a hug. We would meet for a long, lunch at Jake’s Del Mar with a stunning ocean-view table.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Count of Monte Cristo
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
In my classroom, when the students leave, I rock out and dance to Queen, Creedence Clearwater, and other fun music.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Having all my students’ assignments graded and in the gradebook
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus! He is the model, and I am a better person by trying to live by the Golden Rule–treat others the way you want to be treated.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Local Pregnancy Center
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“What other people think of you is not your business.”
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Olde Carlsbad
What I love about my Neighborhood:
My benevolent and cheerful neighbors
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
On a Sunday after church, getting Board and Brew sandwiches and spending the afternoon at the Carlsbad’s beach. Next, swimming at the Monroe pool, and then cooking out on the grill, and playing Ticket to Ride as a Family.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy, Festive, & Fun
