Susan trained in painting at Syracuse University, later completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television at New York University's Film School. She then went on to make documentaries for The Smithsonian Institute before relocating to Los Angeles to join the faculty of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts/West as an acting teacher and director. During her time at the academy, she directed numerous critically acclaimed theatrical productions, including the world premiere of John Cassavetes' "East/West Game" featuring Nick Cassavetes and Sandy Martin.
Concurrently, Susan joined Triad Artists Agency, where she envisioned and created an entirely new division. By signing a roster of European talent, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Colin Firth, John Hurt, Joanne Whalley, Ian Holm, and Juliette Binoche, she transformed a small and underachieving agency into a high-profile and profitable center. She also played a key role in the independent film movement, packaging clients for films such as "To Sleep with Anger" starring Danny Glover, "Walker" starring Ed Harris, "Gaby, A True Story" starring Norma Aleandro, "Old Gringo" starring Gregory Peck, "Eversmile New Jersey" starring Daniel Day-Lewis, and "Apartment Zero" starring Colin Firth. Her American roster included notable actors such as Jennifer Jason Leigh, Amy Madigan, Patrick Swayze, Linda Hunt, Wallace Shawn, and Bradley Whitford.
With a passion for directing feature films, Susan left Triad Artists to develop Louise J. Kaplan's "Female Perversions" as an independent film. As director, she made a bold move by casting Tilda Swinton in her first American role. The film premiered at Sundance in 1996, followed by openings in Europe, Asia, Australia, and America, and received the audience award for best film at the Creteil women's film festival in Paris.
Susan also wrote and directed a short erotic film for the German Arts station WDR, "The Summer of My Deflowering" (2000),starring Beth Riesgraf. The film premiered at the Erotic Film Festival at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Her latest writing and directing effort, "Golf in the Kingdom" (2010),was adapted from Michael Murphy's best-selling golf novel of all time. The film, starring David O'Hara, Mason Gamble, and Malcolm McDowell, premiered at the AMC in Time's Square, New York City.
