About Suzanne
It is not a surprise that Sammi came to life, especially when I got to know and observe amazing owls up close and personally. I got hooked on owls when I put up an owl box in my back yard. Happily, a Barn Owl inhabited the box and made it a home for her soon-to-be hatched 3 chicks. I made a visit every day to check on the family and became a witness to the nesting life of one of nature's most mysterious creatures. Though the chicks fledged and left the nest, their influence left a mark on my heart.
When I decided to write a children's book, of course, it had to feature an owl. That is when Sammi was born.
Volunteer Work: I've had a longtime love of animals, observing, learning from, and being an advocate for them. At present, I volunteer for the Marin Humane Society in Novato, CA, as a Pet Pal dog walker, and for WildCare, a non-profit organization in San Rafael, CA. WildCare provides wildlife education and rehabilitation. I am a Nature Guide and Center Tour Guide for children and adults at WildCare.
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About Suzanne
Education: UC Irvine. Bachelors in English Literature, Masters at San Francisco State University in Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation.
I've taught at San Francisco State University in the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Department, focusing on lifestyle satisfaction and creative arts and wellness. I was also an Arts Consultant for the San Francisco VA Hospital, where I faciitated VSA grants to bring art to the hospital community. And I've done hundreds of presentations about our local owls to school children and adults throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
I live in Novato, California, with my husband, our dog Siena, and a turtle.
Also by Suzanne
Therapy Techniques Using the Creative Arts
By Ann Arge Nathan and Suzanne Mirviss, Jan 1, 1998
Rating 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback $17.99
The creative arts are a powerful tool for therapists who want to provide effective therapy experiences for their clients. The magic of the arts touches the spirit and promotes a level of communication that is different from everyday life. The person running these groups must play many roles: facilitator, teacher, artist, and therapist. It is a journey of discovery and wonder. You will learn why the creative arts are an important element in therapy, what it means to be creative, what enhances creativity and what hinders it, how creative arts groups interact to promote discovery of self and others and how to run effective groups from the initial planning to closure for a group that is ending.
The second part of the book describes the creative arts, giving you specific information about visual and tactile arts, drama therapy, theater games and improvisations, clowning, music, dance/movement, movement exploration, meditation and creative visualization. Along with the descriptions, there are over 240 activity ideas for you to use.
Sammi the Owl Book Series
Introduces elementary school age children to the lessons of
1 Reaching out to make friends
2 Asking for help and expressing sppreciation
3 Enriching your life by learning about others
Sammi books are available at