Suzan was raised in Claremont, California, and studied vocal performance at USC and UC Irvine. She performed in numerous choral and opera productions throughout Los Angeles and on tour for three years. She later earned her JD degree from the McGeorge School of Law and co-founded a law firm in San Luis Obispo in 1979, practicing criminal defense and family law. An active performer, Suzan has sung with the Mozart Festival, Vocal Arts Ensemble, SLO Master Chorale for ten years, Opera San Luis Obispo for eight years (also serving on its board), and Canzona for approximately six years. She joined the Festival Mozaic board in 2022.