Susan McBryde

When I reflect on what I attribute my success to, I realize it all comes back to my upbringing. I’m the middle child and the only girl in my family, with an older and a younger brother. My mom came from extreme poverty, yet she always pushed me—gently but persistently—to believe in myself. We never felt deprived growing up; we always had food, clothes, and a sense of happiness. But my mom had this extraordinary way of encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone.

Even in small moments, she would challenge me. If we were at an event and something needed to be done—decorating a tree, arranging a cake, or even something unexpected—she would say, “Susie can do it.” And somehow, I always did. I may not have known how at the time, but her unwavering belief planted a mindset in me that anything was possible if I tried. That mindset became the foundation of how I approach challenges: with curiosity, courage, and persistence.

I’ve learned that failure teaches more than success ever can. Each time I stumble, I gain lessons that shape the next step. My mom instilled in me a love of trying new things, taking risks, and believing in myself. It’s why, even today, I embrace new experiences—whether it’s trying a new activity on vacation or exploring uncharted professional opportunities. That mindset, that willingness to leap before knowing exactly how, is the core of my success, and it all started with my mom’s relentless belief in me.

"Do the work that aligns with your values, not just your résumé."

That wisdom has guided my journey in early childhood education. Success isn’t about titles—it’s about impact. In trauma-informed, survivor-centered practice, I’ve learned that healing and learning go hand in hand. In mentoring educators and caregivers, I’ve seen how empathy sparks resilience. In designing tools and strategies, I’ve found that progress is measured by compassion and equity. When our work reflects our values, we don’t just build careers—we create communities where children, families, and educators can thrive. 

Anchor yourself in your values and honor your boundaries. In this field, your voice is not just welcome—it is needed. Trauma-informed practice teaches us that safety and learning grow together, and your empathy can ignite resilience across classrooms and communities. Every act of kindness strengthens the fabric of our communities and future generations.

Today, our field stands at a crossroads. We face underfunded systems, workforce burnout, and persistent gaps in access and equity. Trauma-informed practices are needed more than ever, yet too often schools lack the training and resources to implement them fully. And yet—there is hope. Policy momentum, new funding streams, and innovative professional pathways are opening doors. Technology and social-emotional learning are reshaping classrooms, while educators are finding fresh ways to center resilience, equity, and compassion. The challenge is real. The opportunity is greater. Together, we can transform early childhood education into a system that uplifts children, families, and educators alike.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life center around curiosity, learning, and connection. I have a deep love for travel, which I find both exhilarating and educational. Traveling allows me to experience how others live—their food, their culture, their climate, and the ways they navigate life. Every trip is an opportunity to learn, grow, and gain perspective, and I try to approach each experience with openness and appreciation.

Music has also always been a central part of my life. I’m a vocalist, a flutist, and have a background in percussion. Music brings joy, inspiration, and creativity into my life, and I make it a point to attend a wide range of performances, from major concerts to local live music events. It’s a way for me to connect with others and immerse myself in different expressions of art and culture.

I also value wellness and balance. I practice yoga regularly, which helps me stay grounded and focused in both my personal and professional life. Overall, I strive to live with curiosity, embrace new experiences, and cultivate creativity and well-being in everything I do.