Susan Garner, LCSW, CADC, MISA II

Susan Garner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She received her master’s degree in Social Work in 1997 from Aurora University and worked in AU’s counseling center for a year for her master’s level internship.

Susan has over 15 years of experience in providing professional counseling services in many areas of the mental health field. She served for two years as the Counseling Director of ADV/SAS (A Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Service serving LaSalle and Livingston Counties), worked for more than 3 years at North Central Behavioral Health Systems as a dual diagnosis clinician, and also worked part-time for a year as an addictions counselor with the Iroquois Mental Health Center in Watseka, Illinois.

Susan was raised on a farm near Watseka and worked in Watseka as a legal secretary and later as Executive Assistant to the Administrator and Board of the local hospital. She lived in Minneapolis, MN, for 2 1/2 years while working for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and in Boone, NC, for 3 1/2 years working with Samaritan’s Purse and World Medical Mission.

She is married to Kevin, who is Senior Pastor at Fox River Lutheran Church, Sheridan IL.

Other Volunteer Experience

– Disaster Relief Work with Billy Graham Rapid Response Team

– Teaching College, High School, and Jr. High Sunday School classes

– Counseling Specialist & Workshop Leader at National FLY (Free Lutheran Youth) Convention

Susan is currently leading a Cancer Support Group and a Divorce Care for Kids program at Fox River Lutheran Church. She also served on the Faith Subcommittee of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council.

Susan trained her cairn terrier, Rocky. He is registered with Therapy Dogs International and may occasionally accompany her to the office or on visits to Nursing Homes.

Professional Memberships

– American Association of Christian Counselors

– North American Association of Christians in Social Work

Why Counseling?

Susan chose a career in counseling because she cares about people and wants to be able to help individuals or families going through difficult times.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a particularly trying time, is hurting or feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to consider seeking help. In counseling, you may find the encouragement, support, and specific information you need to grow healthy, learn new skills, make desired changes, build self-esteem, improve relationships, and heal from past hurts.