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About Susan Ross

Suzy Ross has been an educator at SJSU for over 20 years and coordinates Recreation Therapy and the Complementary and Alternative Health minor. Her research explores the phenomenon of integrating personal transformation into daily life. As a therapist, she specializes in the treatment of women survivors of sexual trauma, post traumatic stress, and adventure therapy. In partnership with indigenous elders, Suzy leads study abroad to ancient sites to facilitate healing and the recovery of indigenous wisdom through sacred play. As a scholar, Dr. Ross has numerous published articles in peer-reviewed journals and has spoken at conferences across diverse disciplines. She is author of the book, "The Map to Wholeness: Real-life Stories of Crisis, Change and Reinvention, Your Guide to the 13-phases of Transformation." Suzy is known as a trusted and compassionate thought leader. She lives by the ocean and loves cycling.

Positions

2016 - Present Assistant Professor, San Jose State University Health Science and Recreation
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1998 - 2016 Lecturer, San Jose State University Health Science and Recreation
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Curriculum Vitae




Grants

2019 - 2020 TRANSFORMATIVE AND MYSTICAL ASPECTS OF CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH WHALES
SJSU
SJSU UG STUDENT RESEARCH GRANT
Role: PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR
Colleague(s): Zalyn Kieu
$1,000.00
2017 "Effects of a Service Dog Training Program on PTSD and Anxiety Among Student Veterans."
CASA RSCA Infusion Grant
2016 “Effects of Sensory Stimulation Types Among Children in a Persistive Vegetative State.”
Undergraduate research grant.
2014 Multidisciplinary Healthy Aging and Wellness Programs
City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
Senior Health and Wellness Initiatives Grant
Role: Consultant
Colleague(s): Sadhna Diwan (PI)
$25,746
2013 “Multidisciplinary Healthy Aging and Wellness in Senior Housing: A Training & Evaluation Project.”
MidPen Resident Services Corp., MidPen Housing
Role: Co-Investigator
$12,000
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Professional Service and Affiliations

2018 - Present Member, Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SPSC), SJSU
2017 - Present Chair, Health Science and Recreation Department, SJSU (curriculum committee)
2014 - Present Coordinator, Complementary and Alternative Practices minor, Health Science and Recreation Dept., SJSU
2013 - Present Table Coordinator, Center for Healthy Aging in Multicultural Populations (CHAMP), Annual Senior Wellness Fair, SJSU
2011 - Present Member, Center for Healthy Aging in Multicultural Populations (CHAMP), SJSU
2011 - Present Coordinator, RECL 10 GE faculty cohort, Health Science and Recreation Dept., SJSU
2006 - Present Advisor, Recreation Therapy Association (student club), Health Science and Recreation Dept., SJSU
2002 - Present Member, California Parks and Recreation Society
2000 - Present Member, Bay Area Therapeutic Recreation Association
1994 - Present Member, American Therapeutic Recreation Association
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Honors and Awards

  • 2017 California Educator of the Year Award. CPRS, RT Section
  • 2014 Service-learning and Community Engagement Awardee
  • 2012 California Educator of the Year Award. CPRS, RT Section.
  • 2007 Merit and range elevation awarded, San José State University.
  • 2005 President’s Global Studies Fellow, Peru.
  • 2004 President’s Global Studies Fellow, Costa Rica.
  • 1994 Peg Connolly Scholarship Awardee
  • 1992 International Association for Experiential Education scholarship
  • 2018 Legendary Achievement, BATRA, San Jose.

Courses


Education

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2008 Doctor of Philosophy, California Institute of Integral Studies ‐ Humanities: Transformative Learning and Change
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1996 MS, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ‐ Therapeutic Recreation
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1992 BS, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ‐ Recreation Administration
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Contact Information

Susan L. Ross, PhD, CTRS, RTC
Assistant Professor, Public Health and Recreation
Recreation Therapy
San José State University
www.suzyross.net


Email:



Invited Academic Speaker/Panelist (12)

Professional Presentations (9)

Professional Trainings (11)