For over 25 years, I’ve been learning, living, and exploring what it really means to parent.
I started my career as an elementary school teacher after earning my degree in Elementary Education, and I loved being in the classroom—the structure, the growth, and the connection with kids. But everything shifted when I became a stay-at-home mom to my three children. I remember wondering how I could manage a classroom full of students with confidence, yet feel so overwhelmed in my own home. That question sent me on a much deeper journey.
I began doing my own work. I went to counseling, read everything I could get my hands on, and eventually pursued my Master’s in Professional Counseling. Along the way, I became a Licensed Associate Counselor and worked as both a mental health counselor and a school counselor, supporting children and families in a more personal way.
At the same time, I kept coming back to parents. I understood how hard it could feel, not because parents were doing it wrong, but because so much of what shows up in parenting comes from patterns we don’t always understand. In 2016, I opened At the Parenting Place, where I began teaching classes, working one-on-one with parents, and sharing what I was learning. I also wrote two books, including DiddleDots: 100 Tips to Ease the Craziness of Parenting and The Parenting Backpack: Strategies & Tools to Help You Parent with Confidence to help make these ideas more accessible.
Today, my work is focused on helping parents understand themselves in a way that feels normal, not overwhelming or shame-filled. Because when you begin to understand what’s underneath your reactions, parenting starts to feel calmer, more connected, and a whole lot lighter.
Susie lives in North Central Phoenix. Susie talks in the community, consults with parents, and promotes her books and digital content. Susie lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband of thirty years, Mike. She loves spending time with her husband, son, and two daughters.
Testimonials
"Susie has reinforced that parents are here to guide and listen to their children as they make their own choices, and ultimately, mistakes. She offered practical, easy-to-implement suggestions that change the way a family interacts with one another and reduce conflict by setting boundaries and consequences. Everyone needs a sprinkle of Susie in their lives."
~Melissa E. from Phoenix, Arizona
"Susie offers us the perfect blend of relatable understanding as a mother, thoughtful guidance and direction, honest assessments of personal situations and challenges, the gift of being heard, achievable goals and a safe, comforting environment to share and learn in. Our time with her is invaluable!"
~Ashley S. from Phoenix, Arizona
"I have been attending parenting classes with Susie Garlick of At the Parenting Place for a year and a half now and I honestly don't know what I would do without her wisdom, insight, and parenting advice. She is so knowledgeable in every aspect of parenting from a counselor and teacher's perspective, but also knows firsthand because she is a mother to 3 of her own kids."
~Mandi S. from Phoenix, Arizona
"Susie helped our family tremendously with middle school issues! She taught me to 'reframe' my son from negative labels from others. The tools Susie gave me changed my son and our relationship. An empty frame in my living room reminds me daily to 'reframe'!"
~Jill B. from Phoenix, Arizona
"I loved your class and every class had a little takeaway that I applied in my repertoire of parenting skills. I especially liked the reminder to not always run to the rescue of your child, that they need to figure things out on their own and only interject if they have asked or you deem it necessary. I like the camaraderie of motherhood and the open forum discussions that come with your class too! Thank you, Susie!"
~Julie H. from Phoenix, Arizona
"I loved Susie's class so much and found it to be extremely beneficial! I am constantly striving to make a difference in my family's happiness and I found her class to be extremely useful with her curriculum and tools she shared with us! I implement these tools as often as I can and have found them to be useful! I especially enjoyed taking the class with my mom friends who have boys the same age as mine, therefore allowing us all to be on the same page and support each other when struggling with different situations! Love all Susie's quotes and info on Instagram and Facebook, too! I never miss one and I am always learning from them! I strongly recommend her class for everyone!!"
~Kellie B. from Phoenix, Arizona