To access a PDF of this CV, go to http://www.smalexander.com/CurriculumVitaeSusanneAlexanderApril2007.pdf
SUSANNE M. ALEXANDER
____________________________________________________________________________________
P. O. Box 23085 Phone: 216-383-9943
Cleveland, OH 44123 Fax: 216-383-9953
www.marriagetransformation.com E-mail: Susanne@marriagetransformation.com
www.smalexander.com
CURRENT POSITION
President of Marriage Transformation LLC, a global social and economic development project committed to character-based relationship and marriage education and skill building for people at all stages of relationships.
Relationship Coach, Marriage Educator/Coach, and Character Specialist
Author:
What is Marriage Education? (white paper; Marriage Transformation, 2005)
Don’t Spit on the Flowers! Great Ways for Young Adults to Care for Their Relationships (booklet; 2005)
What’s Character Got to Do with It? Enhancing Sexual Intimacy in Your Marriage (booklet; Marriage Transformation, 2004)
Co-Author:
Marriage Can Be Forever--Preparation Counts! Three Editions (Marriage Transformation; 2003, 2007)
Can We Dance? Learning the Steps for a Fulfilling Relationship (Marriage Transformation, 2006)
Pure Gold: Encouraging Character Qualities in Marriage, Second Edition (Marriage Transformation, 2005) [Note: Spanish edition due out in 2007]
Both Eyes Open™: A Spiritually-Based Facilitator’s Guide to Marriage Can Be Forever—Preparation Counts! (Marriage Transformation, 2005)
Pure Gold: Encouraging Character Qualities in Marriage, First Edition (Marriage Transformation, 2004)
College & Career Success Simplified (Pearson Education, 2004)
Advisor/Newsletter Writer: Better Together (formerly Cleveland Marriage Coalition); 2003-2006
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND/CERTIFICATIONS
B.A., Communications, Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio, 1996
Graduated Cum Laude, member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society; Courses included: Journalism, Creative Writing, Business and Professional Speaking, Business Communications
FranklinCovey Facilitator Training, The 8 Habits of a Successful Marriage, Smart Marriages Conference, 2005
PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) Instructor Training, Smart Marriages Conference, 2004
Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education Conference, 2004-2006
PREPARE/ENRICH Mentor Couple Training, 2004
PREPARE/ENRICH Counselor Certification Training, 2003
Landmark Education Courses: Forum, Advanced Course, Self-Expression & Leadership, Introduction Leaders Program, Communication: Access to Power, Communication: Performance & Power, Creativity Seminar, Excellence Seminar, Effectiveness Seminar, Velocity Seminar, Money Seminar, Living Passionately Seminar, Relationship Seminar, Breakthroughs: Living Outside the Box Seminar; Coach for Self-Expression and Leadership; Living Passionately; 1998-2006
Honest Conversations Training, Euclid Community Concerns, 2001
Journalism Fellowship, Case Western Reserve University, Welfare Reform, 2001
Journalism Leadership Training, Society of Professional Journalists, Indianapolis, Indiana, 2001
Mini-Internship, Community-Medical Partnering, Academy of Medicine-Cleveland, 2000
Leadership, American Society of Training and Development, 1998
Creative Alternatives in Presentations, J. P. Horizons, 1998
Children’s Class Teacher Training, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 1998
Handling Customer Complaints, BP Chemicals Company, 1997
Handling Meeting Interrupters, BP Chemicals Company, 1997
Beginning Photography, Polaris Career Center, 1996
Empowering Diversity, BP Oil Company, 1996
Hazardous Waste Operations/Fire Training, BP Oil Company, 1995-1996
Front-Line Management, BP Oil Company, 1991
People Skills for Supervisors, BP America, 1991
Leadership and Influence, BP America, 1989
Negotiating Skills & Strategies, BP America, 1988
Management Skills for Professionals, BP America, 1988
Decision Making, BP America, 1988
Registered Nurse Training, Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ontario (1 year completed), 1974
PRESENTATIONS (1998-2007)
Relationship Topics
“Character in Marriage” Keynote Presentation, Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute Marriage Educator graduation
ceremony, April 2007
“Tone of Voice Speaks Louder Than Words,” FOX TV 8, Cleveland, January 2007
“Pure Gold Marriage” workshop, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California, November 2006; 25 participants
“Pure Gold Marriage” workshop and “Can We Dance? Learning the Steps for a Fulfilling Relationship” workshop, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Vancouver Island, Canada, August 2006; 20 participants each
“What's Character Got To Do With It?, Rotary Club - Beachwood, Ohio, presentation, July 2006; 25 participants
“What's Character Got To Do With It? Relationships and Character” workshop, Smart Marriages Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, June 2006; 50 participants
“Pure Gold Marriage” workshop, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine, February 2006; 20 participants
“Pure Gold Marriage” workshop, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California, November 2005
Relationships and Marriage: Zhuhai, China; and Hong Kong; October 2005
“What is Marriage Education?” and “Pure Gold Marriage” workshops; Washtenaw County, Michigan Bahá’í Centre; September 2005; 30 participants
o “Experience and expertise in subject matter was evident…”
“Both Eyes Open: The Adventure of Relationships” singles workshop; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; September 2005; 30 participants
o “Great workshop! Very useful. Inclusion of the arts was very effective.”
“What is Marriage Education?” “Pure Gold Marriage” and “Both Eyes Open” workshops; St. Paul’s University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; April 2005; trained 4 facilitators concurrently with session; 40 participants
“What is Marriage Education” and “Couples Communication Facilitator Training”; New York City Bahá’í Faith community, April 2005; 10 participants
“Pure Gold Marriage” interfaith workshop, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine, February 2005; 20 participants
Keynote address on Marriage and Divorce issues; Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Phoenix, Arizona; December 2004; 1500 participants
Pre-marriage and marriage topics; Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Phoenix, Arizona; December 2004; 4 workshops with 200 participants each
“Pure Gold Marriage” and “The Marriage Transformation Project”; Bahá’í Social and Economic Development Conference, December 2004; 150 participants
“Marriage Can Be Forever” 1-hour teleconference presentation and Q&A; Bahá’í-Faith sponsored; September 2004
“Both Eyes Open: The Adventure of Relationships” marriage preparation 5-day session; Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California; August 2004; 20 participants
o “Our experience with Craig and Susanne was great. I think they are brilliant, and the reviews for the course were incredible. They do a fantastic job.” Program Director
o “I liked the circled gathering with practiced and skilled facilitation and coaching, the gradual pacing, and the consultation and openness.”
Celebration of Marriage Banquet Honoring Segment; Smart Marriage Conference, Dallas, Texas; July 2004; 2000 participants
“Both Eyes Open: The Adventure of Relationships” marriage preparation weekend; Atlanta, Georgia; Bahá’í Faith-sponsored; May 2004; trained 3 facilitators concurrently with session; 20 participants
o “The information you have put together is great, your leadership kept us on target and moving forward, and the participants were wonderful.”
o “It’s impossible to cover the topics in a lifetime (!), but this workshop was extremely well put together. The facilitators guided the group patiently and lovingly.”
Marriage Preparation Presentation & Book Signing; Joseph Beth Bookstore, Cleveland, Ohio; May 2004
Provided curriculum content and facilitator coaching for Bahá’í Young Adult Conference workshop session, “Are You Ready for Marriage”; Toronto, Ontario; May 2004
Provided curriculum content and facilitator coaching for Bahá’í Young Adult Conference workshop sessions, “Both Eyes Open: Exploring Love, Friendship, and Relationships”, and “Creating a Lasting marriage: Skill Building for Young Couples”; Davison, Michigan; April 2004
Provided curriculum content and facilitator coaching for “The Adventure of Marriage” Workshop; sponsored by the Bahá’í Faith; Norfolk, Virginia; April 2004
“The Adventure of Marriage” 1-day workshop for 40 interfaith single and married participants; sponsored by Bahá’í Faith; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; February 2004; trained 3 facilitators concurrently with session; 40 participants
o It was valuable to: “learn the character qualities”, “from other’s experiences, ideas, and solutions”, “what men and women think of each other”, “have quality content”, “communications exercises”, and “breakout sessions”
Character Work Day mini-workshop and working session to develop character materials for workshops; Cleveland, Ohio; December 2003; 10 participants
“Ready for Marriage” presentation and mini-workshop at the Bahá’í Social and Economic Development Conference, Orlando, Florida; December 2003; 130 participants
o “The interactivity, definitions, content, and humor were valuable.”
Provided curriculum content and facilitator coaching for Bahá’í Youth Conference Workshop on Dating; Washington, DC; December 2003
“Both Eyes Open - The Adventure of Relationships”; intensive marriage preparation weekend workshop, Chicago, Illinois; November 2003; trained 3 facilitators concurrently with session; 65 participants
o Overall evaluation score was 6.07 out of a possible 7.00 total
o “The book, presenters, demonstrations, and activities were very useful!”
o “Learned a lot about myself in a way that felt safe and comfortable.”
Marriage Can Be Forever--Preparation Counts!; Local Author Week at Euclid Public Library; Cleveland, Ohio; October 2003; 15 participants
o “Your presentation was informative and professional, yet warm and comforting. It is nice to think that happiness like yours is possible in this world!” Library Coordinator
“Parenting Your Child Through Relationships, Courting, & Consent to Marry”; Bahá’í Unit Convention; Cleveland, Ohio; October 2003; 6 participants
Marriage Can Be Forever--Preparation Counts! - The Publishing Challenges”; Mayfield Library Presentation for National Writer’s Union; September 2003; 25 participants
“Steps on a Path to a Spiritually-Based Marriage”; Bahá’í-sponsored Public Meeting, Cleveland, Ohio; September 2003; 25 participants
Introduction to Marriage Project; Association for Bahá’í Studies Conference, San Francisco, California; September 2003; 100 participants
Bahá’í Singles Marriage Preparation Weekend; Cleveland, Ohio; August 2003; 15 participants
o “Great job! Thanks for providing a very valuable opportunity to discuss issues of concern; thanks for promoting healthy relationships and marriage!”
o “The two of you are wonderful!”
Marriage Preparation Workshops; Midwinter Bahá’í Youth Conference, Cleveland/Cincinnati, Ohio; 1999-2003; 15 participants
Other Topics
“Networking and Queries” Western Reserve Writers Conference, 2007
“Self-Publishing” Western Reserve Writers Conference, 2005
“Freelancing,” “Self-Publishing,” and “The Art of the Pitch,” Cleveland State University Writer’s
Conference, 2004
“Editing Your Work,” Western Reserve Writers Conference, 2003
“Networking and Queries” and “The Business of Writing,” Western Reserve Writers Conference, 2002
“Tips for Successful Freelancing,” Western Reserve Writers Conference, 2001
“Getting Articles into Print” and “Writing Query Letters,” Hudson Writers Mini-Conference, 2001
“Interviewing and the Art of Profiles,” Society of Professional Journalists, New Orleans, 2001
Teen Creative Writing Workshop, Midwinter Bahá’í Youth Conference, 2000, 2001
“Getting Articles into Print,” Lakewood Writers Mini-Conference, 2000
Panelist, “Talk Back with Freelancers and Editors,” Society of Professional Journalists, 2000
Interviewee about Magazine Writing, Amherst Cable TV, Over the Back Fence Show, 2000
“Resume Preparation,” Cuyahoga Community College, Career Place, Cleveland, Ohio, 2000
“Surviving as a Freelancer,” Western Reserve Writer’s Conference, 1999
Co-host of interview/talk/music radio show on WERE 1300 AM Cleveland (Buddy Z Show), 1998-1999
JOURNALISM PUBLICATIONS
Relationship Articles:
“Growing In Love, The Key to Achieving a Cooperative Marriage”, Winter 2006: Marriage Partnership Magazine
“Does Your Marriage Have Character?” First Years and Forever, Family Ministries Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, September 2005
“Prepare for Your Marriage, Not Just the Wedding,” SharonNaylor.net, August 2004
“Having A Father Matters,” Strengthening Marriage, Fall 2003
“Living Together Reduces Chance of Lasting Marriage,” Strengthening Marriage, Fall 2002
“Middle Class Attitudes Towards Welfare Reform,” The Cleveland Free Times, May 2000
“Virtuous Sex,” The Shifting Times, January 2000
“Personality Styles: A Simple Tool for Better Relationships,” The Shifting Times, January 2000
“The Power of Family Unity,” The Shifting Times, September 1998
“Mothering 101: Teaching Virtues to Children,” The Shifting Times, April 1998
Other Articles:
Written over 200 articles for a variety of publications, including: Strengthening Marriage, Newsweek (Japan), The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, Ziff Davis Smart Business, Massage Magazine, Crain’s Cleveland Business, Over the Back Fence, Pages, The Shifting Times, The Cleveland Free Times, Catalyst for Cleveland Schools, The American Bahá’í, Ad Astra, Black Diaspora, Sun Newspapers, Times of Your Life, The (Regina) Leader Star, Point of Light, Accent on Living, Proud, Writer’s Digest
INCLUDED IN PUBLICATIONS
Quoted in articles:
• “Sensitive Gift Giving,” Middletown Journal, November 2006
• “Holiday Hosting,” Hitched Magazine, November 2006
• “Political Residue,” Hitched Magazine, November 2006
• “Until Death, or Some Other Sticky Problem, Do Us Part,” Inc. Magazine, November 2006
• “Rude people getting you down? You're not alone,” Chicago Sun Times, September 2006
• “ Best Friends: With them, our lives are richer, happier and healthier” San Antonio Express News, August 2006
• “Popping the Question,” The Buffalo News, June 2006
• “Is Your Marriage Strong Enough?”, Arthritis Today, April 2006
• "You say you want togetherness? Start a business!", Best Franchise Opportunities, March 2006
• “Learning the Lessons of Marriage,” The Washington Times, February 2006
• “The Healing Power of Happiness,” Ladies Home Journal, December 2005
• “Does Your Marriage Have Character?” The Euclid Observer, September 2005
• Profile, The Euclid Sun Journal, September 2005
• Article on Cohabitation, The News-Herald, September 2005
• “His Bad Habits,” Comcast Relationships and www.match.com, September 2005
• “The Big Day--Curb Those Contagious Quarrels,” Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY; Columbia, MO; Spokane, WA newspapers, August 2005
• “Dating Over 40,” Washington Woman, August 2005
• “Infidelidad, signo de los tiempos: Es possible hoy la monogamia?” Univision Online, August 2005
• “Get a Grip: Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” Bride’s Guide, September 2005
• “Harried Marrieds,” Christian Science Monitor, June 2005
• Healing Through Unity Newsletter, June 2005
• “Marathon Marriages,” Modern Bride (Regional Connection), Fall 2004
Quoted in books:
• Where to Seat Aunt Edna? And 500 Other Great Wedding Tips (Hundreds of Heads Survival Guides, 2006)
• The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing (St. Martin’s), 2003
Featured in 21st Century Feature Writing (Carla Johnson: Pearson), 2005
EDITORIAL/PUBLICATION STAFF
Editor/Content Developer; www.solvingconflicts.com (John Miller, owner); 2004
Editor, Children’s Storybook Project; Louhelen Teacher Training Center, Davison, Michigan; 2001-2002
Corporate Editor/Writer; Ohio Aerospace Institute/OAI for business proposals, website, academic papers, annual report; 2001
Staff Writer and Associate Editor for The Shifting Times, an Ohio monthly publication; circulation approx. 30,000 in Ohio and 100 nationally, Cleveland, Ohio; 1998-2000 [out of publication in March 2000]
Managing Editor/Writer for T&D Times, an in-house national monthly publication for BP Oil Company; circulation approx. 900; Cleveland, Ohio; 1992-1994
MANUSCRIPT EDITING
Steven Sacks, Relationship book, 2001
Morris Taylor, Author, Community-Building Coach, 2001
Justice St. Rain, Author, Owner of Special Ideas publishing company, Bloomington, Indiana, 1998-2002
Dr. Harry J. Bury, Baldwin-Wallace College Professor and Author, Berea, Ohio, 1998-1999
Ernst & Young, International Accounting Firm Operations Manual, Cleveland, Ohio, 1999
Steven Lovrecovich, Engineering Consultant and Author, Independence, Ohio, 1998
Daniel E. Berry, VP Cleveland Growth Association and Author, Orange, Ohio, 1998
ASSOCIATIONS
Member, American Society of Journalists & Authors (ASJA)
Member, Positively Speaking Toastmasters, 2006; VP of Public Relations, Centerior Toastmasters, 1998
Member of Interfaith Suburban Action Coalition, Euclid, Ohio, 2000-2004; Secretary 2002-2003
Former Board Member, Society of Professional Journalists, Cleveland, 2000-2002
PREVIOUS POSITIONS
STANDARD OIL; BP OIL COMPANY; BP CHEMICALS COMPANY, Cleveland, Ohio, 1984-1997
Project Coordinator, Cleveland, OH
Led project team to analyze 200+ manuals used by field operations; coordinated and developed manuals in a combined word processing and text-retrieval database; supervised software contractors; analyzed local and wide area network needs for project; designed training manual; trained users; presented project internationally and to Ford Motor’s quality representative.
Shipments Coordinator; Inventory & Supply Manager; Customer Service Specialist, Cleveland, OH
Analyzed and coordinated inventory, supply, customer service, and shipments through timely communications with international suppliers, customers, shipping companies, sales managers, government agencies, inspectors, and technical experts. Managed or assisted team responses to large market disruptions and contamination incidents; handled insurance claims; received numerous performance awards for actions that helped preserve company reputation, customer loyalty, and sales.
Operations Supervisor, Washington, DC
On-site manager for 24-hour union trucking fuel terminal; trained employees and contractors in safety procedures; significantly improved employee performance; researched documentation for litigation cases and participated on litigation team. Managed emergency responses and environmental audit and remediation projects; coordinated site-wide testing of firefighting foam system with involvement of fire department, contractors, and customers; made emergency response training video for Secret Service.