From June 2004 until June 2014, Susan was a senior consultant with The Alban Institute in Washington, D.C. working with hundreds of organizations across the U.S. and Canada. 

Prior to 2004, Susan intertwined careers as a psychotherapist and independent regional consultant. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with expertise in helping her clients recover from trauma and abuse. She is an ordained minister and regional denominational executive in the United Methodist Church and has experience as a hospital chaplain and a parish pastor. 

Susan writes, lectures, and leads training workshops and retreats on the following topics:

• Managing conflict and change. 
• Fostering health and well-being of leaders.
• Professional ethics and boundaries. 
• The use of dialogue in organizations.
• Developing staff for success.
• Coaching leaders. 
• Revitalizing organizations. 

View My Resume

• B.A., Central College, Pella IA.
• M.Div., Garrett-Evangelical Theology Seminary, Evanston IL.
• Doctoral course work at Luther Seminary, St. Paul MN and the University of MN, Department of Family Social Sciences.
• Level II training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing of traumatic memories.
• "Victim-Offender Mediation in Cases of Severe Political/Criminal Violence," Center for Restorative Justict and Peacemaking, St. Paul MN.
• "Mediating Workplace Disptures" and "Conflict Coaching" CDR Associates of Boulder CO.
• "Managing Conflict Inside the Organization" The Program on Negotiation, Havard University, Cambridge MA. 

"Susan had a good understanding of our issues and was able to focus on some of our key conflict issues such as tolerance for bad behavior and organizational issues that derailed the leadership."

"Susan Nienaber was very good at drilling down to the real problems..."

"Thank you for your leadership, wisdom, advice and shared experience. I felt very relieved that we were in the hands of someone who is a professional in this area and who has had many clients with similar issues as our organizations. I felt that you were sensitive throughout the process. Your handling of everyone involved was very professional and direct." 

I love my work but when it's time to play, I have several passions.

Gardening. After speaking with many people throughout the day, I enjoy being in the garden. I even love pulling weeds. I am a kinesthetic learner so I need to be active. I am also aesthetic. I love the look and beauty of flowers and plants. 

Walking and Biking.  Being active is so important to me and it is a great stress reliever. I live near a regional park which is connected to a path right behind my house. I also try to do a little cross country skiing in the winter. 

Dinner with Friends and Family. My husband Jim and I appreciate a great meal and wonderful conversation. We have both grown in our ability to savor these simple pleasures in life. 

The Performing Arts. Our son is a director and associate/assistant director of off-Broadway and Broadway/touring shows. Our son's career in the performing  arts has exposed us to such depth and breadth in the arts and has deepened our appreciation of the talents of those who feel called to this type of vocation. While I am not very artistic I feel great joy and admiration for those who are and who share their gifts to change the world.