Hello! I’m Susan Linderer, the ICMS School Counselor. 

This is my 37th year in education, with 32 of those years as a classroom teacher. I am a founding faculty member of ICMS, having joined the school before it opened in 1998. I have seen ICMS grow and change for 23 years now, and I love it more than ever. I even have a few “grandbabies” here--children of my former students. They hold a special place in my heart because once a child is a student of mine, they’re one of my kids forever.  

I live with my daughter and our pets—two dogs, two cats, and five fish. I’m a couch potato even though I love to watch sports in person and on TV. I also read (historical non-fiction, sci-fi and fantasy), and play computer and video games. I am fascinated by archaeology, psychology, and neuroscience. 

I received my education degree from Oklahoma State University and my school counseling master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. After teaching elementary school in Texas and at West Nichols Hills, I came to a brand-new school called Independence Enterprise Middle School. It became my home. I taught 6th grade ancient history and geography beginning in 1998. From 2012-2017, I worked as both the full-time 6th Grade Geography teacher and part-time School Counselor. In 2017, my dream came true, and I moved to counseling full time. 

I am a volunteer Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line, plus I am trained in Psychological First Aid through Johns Hopkins University. I have been certified as a Grief & Loss Specialist, a Trauma & Crisis Specialist, a Students with Special Needs Specialist, and a Mental Health Specialist through the American School Counselor Association. If your child is dealing with tough issues, I am equipped to help. I am also our school’s Homeless Liaison, so please reach out to me if you need assistance.  

Middle schoolers are deep thinkers, hilarious, sometimes-aggravating, opinionated, and vulnerable all at the same time, and so very dear to me. They certainly keep me interested and energized! Thank you for sharing your child with me.