Parenting

Susan M. Thomson, PhD, is a Master Certified Addictions Counselor and Life Coach. In 1985, she graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a degree in experimental social psychology.Before earning her doctorate, she taught special needs children, including those with severe learning disabilities and developmental delays who had been mainstreamed into regular classrooms. While teaching, she worked closely with school psychologists and speech pathologists to address the needs of individual students. She also taught psychology courses at the junior college level. From 1988 to 1993, as a Licensed Professional Counselor, she owned and operated her own eating disorders clinic, providing both individual and group therapy.In 1993, following the birth of her son, she relocated to La Jolla, California. At that time, she turned her focus to parenting and volunteer work in local schools. She became president of the board at The Children's School, where her son was a student. Alongside her husband, Darryl Tschirn, she established the Tschirn Family Library, which remains in place today. In collaboration with other parents, she co-founded a charter school-Explorer Elementary-emphasizing a social-emotional learning curriculum. She also served as president of its board.Later, she became president of the Parents' Association at The Bishop's School (grades 6-12), meeting weekly with the headmaster and leading monthly association meetings.While living in La Jolla, she was appointed vice chair of the Human Relations Commission, an advisory body to the Office of the Mayor of San Diego. In 2015, she received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from U.S. Congressman Scott Peters for her work in the fight against human trafficking. The San Diego Human Relations Commission also honored her with a Special Commendation for her efforts in human trafficking prevention and restorative justice. In addition, she served four years as vice president of the La Jolla Shores Association, where she received a Special Commendation for Leadership from San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry.