Debbie Robinson

The first time I met Suzette was in a note. She wrote to me thanking me for a session I had presented at a New England Therapeutic Recreation Association (NETRA) Conference; I think it was 1997? Obviously, she knew how to network even back then. Ironically, NETRA became the way we got to know each other and was a choice that both of us would come to see as formative in our careers. Suzette was a talented Recreational Therapist, and a role model for interns and colleagues. I have always been proud that we shared a profession.

A thumbnail of our NETRA years together is this: Suzette came on board as a volunteer for the ATRA conference in Boston while I was NETRA President. (The ATRA conference planning committee minutes reveal that Suzette describes herself as close to marrying a cute boy from
Boston...which doesn't happen, but she keeps us in stitches with her dating adventures all through the planning sessions). Boston 1998 was an adventure. A lot of hard work and a week of living in a Boston hotel without seeing the outdoors, but we made a name for ourselves with the
ATRA Board. I later convinced Suzette that she should run for NETRA President and she served the organization extremely well. She was a dedicated and inspirational leader and handled difficult situations well (ask her to tell you the "Janet ruins the NETRA treasury" story). She
also earned her Master's Degree, worked and found time for dancing and ward socializing. She never ceases to amaze me.

I have always appreciated Suzette's love for her family (and stories of the cat hunting in Iowa), and her dedication to her faith. She is a wonderful, caring person and she has been a great support to me....when my mother died, through weight loss and gain and loss, and through NETRA and ATRA adventures (and mis-adventures). It was great seeing her in Salt Lake City when the ATRA conference was there; we had a chance to go to lunch together and she took me on a walk through a botanical garden (Red Butte?). I toured Mormon sites on her recommendation and enjoyed learning more about her faith and roots. She drove us out to Park City for dinner with friends and allowed us to see why she loved her college town. This past fall my husband and I drove to FL from NH and planned to stop in Alexandria VA for dinner. Halfway there I remembered that Suzette was living and working in Alexandria, so I called her and she made time for a visit (20 minutes between work meetings). We spent the whole time chatting rapidly and getting caught up, and I got to see her Giant Colon and naked cowboy videos. It isn't shocking to me that Suzette has such a unique job and is able to put her vast amount of talent to use for the benefit of everyone (colons and cowboys alike).

Suzette, it is my pleasure and honor to know and love you as a friend and colleague. You are a unique and special person and I want to grow old hearing your stories. Happy 40th birthday with wishes for a special day surrounded by those who love you.