Art Academy instructor
Abilities First
Susie Dains was born in Quincy, Illinois. She was adopted by Judy & Steve Dains when she was three years old. When she was in fourth grade, she was diagnosed with ADHD & Asperger’s Syndrome. She knew from an early age she wanted to continue her education after she graduated from high school. Her senior year she & her mom found a post on Facebook about Bear Power at Missouri State University. They filled out the application and soon Susie was called in for an interview. She also attended a camp that Bear Power puts on for potential students. She found out she was accepted & she attended Bear Power where she improved her drawing skills, reading and writing and her social skills.
Art is something that Susie has always excelled in, and she loves to do it. While she was in Bear Power, she had the opportunity to work at Abilities First as an intern in the area called Art Inspired Academy (AIA). After graduating from Bear Power, after several months she was offered a job as a Direct Support Professional where she was able to help other teachers in AIA. After working there for a few months, she was given the opportunity to teach watercolor classes to students with disabilities much like her. She continues to teach at AIA and has been there for two years in June.
Suzie was recently given the opportunity to paint the bell for mental health awareness at the police station, the Be Well Bell. Additionally, she taught a class to leaders in Springfield and was asked to teach a mini session on KY3, the local news station. She loves being able to share her love of art with her students and others.