Susan Sampson

Florida Regional Director for Resource Development

Susan was born in Bronxville NY and grew up in Ossining, NY.  She and her family were members of First Presbyterian Church of Ossining.  At 16, her family moved to Cape Coral Florida, and became members of Faith United Presbyterian Church.  Susan graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa with a degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. She began her career in social work at the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services as a Social Worker, working on behalf of Families with Dependent Children; then, she joined the staff of the Florida Mental Health Institute.  She met her husband, Jim – a “Michigander” – while he was in Florida. Jim is a project manager with a commercial construction firm. In 1991, Susan and her family moved from Florida to Elk Rapids, Michigan and joined First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. Both became active members. Susan served as a Trustee and Jim served as an Elder. The Sampsons have two children, Nicole and Daniel.  In 2001, Susan and Jim moved their family back to Florida. Susan took a position as the Executive Director for Antrim County Habitat for Humanity.  In the fall of 2007, Susan joined the Thornwell staff as the Florida Regional Director for Resource Development. She and her family now reside in Temple, Florida.

When asked, “What factors influenced your decision to join the staff at Thornwell?” Susan said, “The children, and the staff that surrounds them with love. I am moved every time I spend time with them on my visits to campus." ~Susan Sampson