Ross, Dr. Susan L

Ross, Dr. Susan L

Assistant Professor
Coordinator Recreation Therapy
Coordinator Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Health Science & Recreation Department

Email

Preferred: susan.ross@sjsu.edu

Telephone

Preferred: (408) 924-3007 (email is preferred)

Office Hours

Please email for an appointment

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Transformative Learning, California Institute of Integral Studies. 2008
  • Master of Science, Recreation Therapy, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. 1996

Licenses and Certificates

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, CTRS 

Recreation Therapist Certified, RTC

Bio

Suzy (Susan L.) Ross is an Assistant Professor and manages the Recreation Therapy degree and the Complementary and Alternative Medicine minor. Her primary research examines the phenomenon of transformation from transdiciplinary perspectives. Her seminal work is interpreted to wide audiences in her book, "The Map to Wholeness: Real-life Stories of Crisis, Change, and Reinvention." Dr. Ross' service contributions to Northern California earned her the regions highest service recognition---granted upon merit---called the "Legendary Achievement Award". Dr. Ross was awarded with the California Educator Award (2014 & 2026), the SJSU Service-Learning and Community Engagement award, and SJSU President's Global Studies fellow. As a therapist, she specializes in the treatment of women survivors of sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress, veterans, and adventure therapy. In partnership with indigenous elders, Dr. Ross leads study abroad to ancient Peruvian Inka sites to facilitate both Recreation Therapy and the recovery of indigenous wisdom through sacred play. Suzy lives close to the ocean and loves to be immersed in nature.

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