Her Story
About Susi
Susi Hochrein is the Assistant Head of School at Sandia Prep in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she oversees the middle school program. With nearly two decades of dedicated service to the institution, Susi has grown through a series of progressively influential roles — beginning as a full-time mathematics teacher at both the middle and high school levels, then advancing to grade-level lead, Dean of Students for 7th and 8th grade, and ultimately head of middle school before stepping into her current position in 2017. Her deep roots at Sandia Prep reflect not only her commitment to the school but her unwavering belief in the power of education to transform young lives.
At the core of Susi's leadership philosophy is a profound dedication to building meaningful relationships — with students, families, and the broader school community. She is especially passionate about inspiring girls to embrace mathematics and cultivating a culture of belonging and character among her students. Rather than approaching family challenges with a directive hand, she chooses to work alongside them as a true partner, creating an environment where students feel genuinely seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. Her work with the Challenge Success partnership through Stanford University has further deepened her commitment to student-centered education, leading initiatives that strengthen community cohesion and integrate purposeful service learning into the curriculum.
Beyond the walls of Sandia Prep, Susi extends her spirit of service through active involvement with several community organizations, including Watermelon Mountain Ranch, PB&J, and Roadrunner Food Bank. A member of the National Association of Independent Schools, she continues to grow as an educator and leader through ongoing professional development and collaborative engagement within her field. Guided by the values of empowerment, authenticity, and connection, Susi Hochrein exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and purpose — shaping not only the academic journeys of her students but the character they carry with them long after they leave her halls.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building authentic relationships — with students, families, and colleagues. From the beginning of my career as a math teacher, I understood that real impact comes from genuine connection. I've carried that belief into every leadership role I've held. Rather than directing families through challenges, I team with them, which has allowed me to earn their trust and support students more effectively. Being true to who I am and bringing that same relational approach from the classroom into leadership has been the foundation of everything I've accomplished.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received came from my mentor, Bill Sinfield, who encouraged me not to be apologetic about who I am or how I lead. He empowered me to step into my role with confidence and to be a driving force for the school. That guidance gave me the courage to lead authentically and to trust that my voice and my approach had real value. It shaped the kind of leader I've become — one who leads with purpose and without hesitation.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is simple: be yourself. When you walk into a school, see your students for who they truly are and meet them exactly where they are. Hold high expectations for them — students will rise to the challenge when they know someone believes in them. Be collaborative, creative, and flexible, because education is never one-size-fits-all. And always support your students as whole people, not just learners. The relationships you build and the way you show up for kids every day will define your impact far more than any title or credential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in education right now is creating and sustaining a genuine sense of belonging within our school communities. Through our Challenge Success partnership with Stanford University, we've been able to use surveys, fishbowl sessions, and targeted programs to strengthen community cohesion and put students at the center of the experience. Another significant opportunity is the meaningful integration of community service into the curriculum — not as an add-on, but as a core part of how students learn to engage with the world. Maintaining flexibility in how and what we teach is also essential as our students' needs continue to evolve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the heart of everything I do are relationships, empowerment, and belonging. I am deeply committed to helping students — especially girls in mathematics — discover their strengths and find their voice. I believe that when students feel truly seen and heard, they are inspired to be their very best. Collaboration is equally important to me; I never see myself as someone who has all the answers, but rather as a partner to families and colleagues as we navigate challenges together. And giving back through service — to our school community and to the broader Albuquerque community — reflects the values I hope to model for every student I work with.
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