Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, Susan developed her love of family history growing up enthralled by the stories her mother told. She is now a U.S. citizen, and a longtime resident of Seattle, Washington, where she lives with her Irish husband and their four American-born children.

Susan is a member of the Seattle Genealogical Society, where she facilitates the monthly Irish Special Interest Group. She presents seminars on researching Irish ancestors at the annual Seattle Irish Festival and to genealogical societies across the U.S.