SUSAN GRAHAM
Director
Susan Graham was born and raised in Bakersfield. She graduated from East Bakersfield High School and then attended Bakersfield College. She has been married for over 40 years to her husband, Michael, and has two grown children (Robin and Kimberly) and a handsome grandson (Ashton) who has autism.
Susan Graham is one of the founding members of H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection. The organization was founded in 1990, when her daughter, Kimberly, was two years old. Susan was on the H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection Board of Directors for nine years, serving as Secretary, and then as President. In 1999, she became the Director.
Her daughter, Kimberly, was born with Rett Syndrome, which is a rare genetic neurological disorder. Kimberly had seizures, was intellectually disabled, used a wheelchair, and needed total care. She was blessed with loving parents, a loving sister, and the best grandparents ever. Kimberly lived 25 wonderful years before God called her home to be with Him.
Susan remembers how difficult it was in the early years, when services for her daughter were challenging to get. However, she also remembers that all of the families who belonged to H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection looked forward to the monthly support group meetings because they loved being with other parents who understood what they were going through and because they learned about agencies that could help their children. Susan still loves working in an organization that assists families in finding help, encouragement, advocacy, resources, training, and support. Mostly, she enjoys making the road a little smoother for families who have children with challenges in their lives.
Susan loves to travel, spend time with her family, and work on crafts (she would love to have more time for crafts!). She also enjoys playing the piano for her church. One way she finds comfort is by planting and caring for her daughter’s memorial garden.
Susan is a quiet person and prefers being in the background. She doesn’t mind getting the work done without recognition. However, she is also comfortable speaking in front of and leading large groups of people. She is always looking for opportunities that will further the mission of H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection.
