Susan Wofsy has grown over many years with Rites of Passage from guide to senior leader, helping steward the organization through times of change while protecting the integrity of its ceremonial and relational core. Her leadership is rooted in professional training as a Rites of Passage guide and licensed psychotherapist, as well as deep participation in the lineage of this work. Her guiding has been shaped by the mentorship of Mike Bodkin, former Executive Director of Rites of Passage, as well as her experiences walking alongside questers, guides, and elders. Susan brings a combination of relational leadership, cultural humility, and organizational steadiness, supporting both the inner and outer structures that allow this work to thrive.
Before entering the world of wilderness rites of passage and psychotherapy, Susan worked for fifteen years in international development and global health, with extensive experience living in Africa and Latin America. These experiences grounded her in the realities of community and resilience and continue to inform how she approaches both organizational leadership and work with groups and individuals.
Trained in anthropology, international affairs, and mental health counseling, and licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Susan brings an integration of cultural awareness, psychological depth, and practical leadership. She has spent many years working with adolescents and adults in a range of therapeutic and community settings and is committed to supporting people as they navigate life transitions. Across all of her work, she is known for her capacity to listen deeply, honor personal story, and foster connection in times of uncertainty.