Biography

After graduating from Calvin College with a BA, Dr. Verwys entered a graduate program in clinical social work, focusing on work with young children and families in counseling. Discovering that she needed more joy in her work, Dr. Verwys entered the field of early childhood education, developing progressive programs in children’s ministries, childcare, and preschool. Her joy is shared with students, colleagues, and children in our community.

Students in Susan’s classes enjoy circle time, where they participate in music and movement experiences, read-aloud, and hands-on learning experiences. Visits to early childhood classrooms for exploration of materials and learning experiences stretch her students’ imagination of what is possible in early childhood classrooms. Dr. Verwys most appreciates her students’ creativity as they collaborate to create early childhood programs or when they engage in inquiry learning with young children in local classrooms.

Dr. Verwys collaborates with area experts, including early childhood program administrators, teachers, and local agencies that serve young children and families. Regular attendees at the yearly conference of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children look forward to Dr. Verwys and her students presenting on advocacy and project-based learning. Dr. Verwys also coordinates the Children’s Worship Program at Shawnee Park Christian Reformed Church.

Passionate about justice for young children and families, Dr. Verwys has written and presented on the schooling experiences of young African-Americans. She recognizes cultural ways of being and speaking, encouraging her teacher candidates to gain deeper understanding of the cultures of their students. More recently, Dr. Verwys has been studying adverse childhood experiences, toxic stress, and mind-mindedness.