Here at Modern Psychiatry and Wellness, we have a wonderful team that helps keep our facilities running smoothly. We would like to spotlight our Chief Operating Officer Susanna Lozano and all the outstanding work that she does for our patients and our staff. But don’t take it from us! Let’s learn about Susanna in her own words. We spent some time chatting and here is what she had to say about her life and career so far:
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in social work. I attended classes at IU’s campus in South Bend, Indiana. I did not start college until my youngest daughter was in kindergarten. Human nature has always been a great interest of mine and that is why I chose psychology, but more specifically because my husband was an alcoholic and I really thought that taking psychology classes would teach me how “to fix him.” I soon learned that it is impossible to “fix” anyone else. I was a single mother with 3 children, and I soon learned that there were not many job opportunities available to someone with a degree in psychology. I am forever grateful to the college guidance officer who talked with me about getting a master’s degree in Social Work. It is a very marketable degree with jobs available in every state of the union, in all types of roles, at different organizations.
Why did you choose psychology and social work?
The reason social work interests me the most is because of its focus on Social Justice. There is so much injustice in the world, in our country, our communities, and our families. Fixing that injustice one person at a time is very rewarding to me. I may not be saving the whole world as I thought that I might when I was a little girl, but I have helped many people recognize the injustice that they have experienced in their lives and taught them the skills necessary to make changes to overcome that injustice. The most important thing that I learned in college is just how little I knew about so many things. I became very determined to know more about everything and willing to admit that I did not know what I thought I knew. I really think that my willingness to learn has contributed more to my success and my happiness than anything else.
Why did you choose Modern Psychiatry?
I began working at Modern Psychiatry and Wellness 5 years ago. A former staff person kept telling Dr. Moss to hire me. I had been looking for a new employment opportunity for about six months, so I was happy that I was able to interview with Dr. Moss. He offered me a position and I gratefully accepted. I accepted because it offered me a new challenge and was happy that I had the set of skills that the practice needed. When I started at Modern Psychiatry and Wellness we employed 37 employees and now we have approximately 140. Dr. Moss has trusted me to do the right thing and he has appreciated my efforts which means the world to me.
What do you do for fun?
For fun – in the winter I like to complete paint by number pictures. If you ever see one you like and need somebody to paint it for you let me know. My three daughters and 4 grandchildren are the sources of most of the fun I have. I like to read books; I am also writing a book and am very hopeful that it will come together someday. I adopted a dog to keep me company during the pandemic and I also had two cats, but that is now three since a wee kitten wandered into my yard a week ago. I also spend way too much time playing sudoku, spider solitaire, and spades on my iPad.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job is seeing staff and clients meet their personal and professional goals. I like to develop programs, identify solutions to problems, put them into place, and watch them grow beyond my expectations.
We are immensely happy to have Susanna Lozano as our COO here at Modern Psychiatry and Wellness.
