Susan McConnell is an author, counselor and speaker whose passion is to teach principles that will encourage and promote successful living. Her first book, Raising Great Kids in a Tough World, was published in 2005. Parenting in Tough Times, her second book, was published in June 2007. Susan earned her B.S. degree from Auburn University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and works in private practice in Mobile, Alabama. She was also licensed as a stock broker and worked with two New York Stock Exchange firms before returning to her passion for counseling, writing and encouraging successful family life. She and her husband, Roger, have been married for 33 years. They have raised two great kids in a tough world, Melissa and Jonathan, both Auburn graduates. Melissa is a nurse by profession, married to Dr. McCain Ashurst and is the mother of Macy and a baby in utero, due April 12, 2010. Jonathan is a former Marine captain, who is currently in his second year of law school at the University of Alabama.

Susan has been teaching and speaking to groups since 1985, including, church groups, schools and civic organizations. She has participated in teaching youth and adult Sunday school, chaperoning youth mission and camp activities, teaching seminars on family issues, leading a divorce recovery support group (Rainbows), singing in her church choir, serving her community through Assistance League, a national philanthropic organization, and participating in state and local political activities to help strengthen families and moral values.

In addition to writing books and articles and counseling in private practice, Susan speaks to groups on marriage, parenting, divorce, communication, relationships and other topics.