"Our family has had the immense privilege of being part of Susie’s educational programs for the past five years, and we cannot overstate how grateful we are for the guidance, warmth, and creativity she brings into our child’s life.

Susie has a rare gift for connecting with children in a way that feels both gentle and empowering. Through her thoughtful blend of art, nature exploration, and child-led play, she creates an environment where kids are not only free to express themselves, but are also deeply seen, heard, and respected.

What we love most about Susie’s approach is how she encourages curiosity and honors each child’s individual rhythm. Whether it’s art projects in Hampton Park, exploring the city museums, or simply letting imaginations run wild, Susie fosters a space where learning feels joyful and organic.

Over the years, our child has grown more confident, more expressive, and more connected to the natural and creative world—and so much of that is thanks to Susie’s care and vision. She’s more than a teacher; she’s a trusted mentor, a creative guide, and a nurturing presence in our child’s development. We feel incredibly lucky to have found her."

— Lauren & Craig Watson

"I am committed to finding enriching and engaging programs for my child, and Evergreen’s art classes led by Susie have been an absolute treasure. Charley has taken multiple art classes with Susie, where projects like watercolours, mixed-media collages, clay sculpture, and felting have been particular favourites. 

Susie’s nurturing approach encourages experimentation with different materials and techniques, helping Charley build confidence and creativity with each project. I've watched Charley’s skills grow tremendously, especially in how she combines colours and textures to create unique pieces, including beautifully crafted felted artworks. 

These hands-on experiences have sparked a lasting passion for art. Thanks to Susie and Evergreen, Charley looks forward to every class and comes home excited to share new ideas.

We are incredibly grateful for the inspiring environment and wonderful experiences Susie provides.

— A grateful parent,"

—Stacey Whitney

"Evergreen Art Classes are a rare gem in the community, and Susie’s genuine warmth is such a gift for our children. My daughter has taken part in both the afterschool art programs and summer art camps, and every experience has been truly wonderful! Susie creates a calm, nurturing, and welcoming space filled with creative— (and really awesome!!)— child-led projects. My daughter always comes home relaxed, inspired, and already looking forward to her next “Susie Art Class.”

Thank you, Susie, for creating a space where kids feel safe to be themselves—creatively and personally. There’s something truly special about both the place and the person when my child comes home mellow and regulated after spending time in an Evergreen program, whether it’s following a long school day or a busy summer camp afternoon. 

Susie is magic!!"

— Kathy Kyritzopoulos

"Susie is an incredible educator who understands the importance of blending learning with play, imagination, relationship and hands-on experience.  Her phenomenal creativity, warmth and passion build the environment for children to create, explore, discover and deeply shine.  With Susie, children come to a truly inspired and inspiring place."

— Lillian Domin, Co-founder, Co-director at Blue Whale Children's Centre

"Susie has been a godsend for our family! After the shock and disappointment of the public school system, trying other “alternative/progressive” programs and being terribly disillusioned by them all, we found Evergreen Life Learning and there has been no looking back. Susie has created this amazing space for the kids, filled with warmth, kindness, love, laughter, and of course, lots of learning! She has a way with the kids, making them feel seen, heard and safe. Evergreen Life Learning is the only truly self-directed and child-led program in Ottawa, with the kids’ socio-emotional and overall mental and physical well-being always at the core. We feel incredibly lucky to have found Susie. We’ve seen our child thrive and grow by leaps and bounds over the course of his time in the program, and we highly recommend this program to anybody looking for a space where your child can discover and learn to truly be themselves."

— Himani and Deepak

“One of the silver linings of the pandemic for our family was finding Susie. Our son has spent a full year in the Kinderforest program and it’s been such an incredible experience. Susie is incredibly kind and attentive and is passionate about creating an environment in which kids can explore, be self-directed, and tap into their creativity. The ample outdoor time, small class size and nurturing environment allowed our son to thrive. He always wanted to stay and play with his friends at pick-up time and sleeps like a dream at night. I would highly recommend Susie’s program to any parent who wants to see their kids thrive.”

— Sarah Vadeboncoeur

"Our experience having our daughter with Susie has been incredible. Having a safe haven for learning, exploration, play and inquiry has given our daughter confidence and sparked her curiosity. She feels empowered and has formed some lovely friendships with the other children. The small group size also allows the children to take ownership of their actions and encourages self-discovery, awareness, as well as navigating different personalities. We would not hesitate to recommend Susie and her programs to anyone who wants an absolutely magical, educational foundation for their child." 

— Jennifer Walker

"Susie, thanks for everything you have done for our daughter as her teacher. She has so many fond memories, and she really felt a bond with you. Your nurturing and encouraging teaching style and calm, loving presence were such gifts for the students in the class, and ones from which we know our daughter benefited immensely."

— Tara S.

"Children and parents are drawn to Susie Shapiro’s deeply caring and calm approach. Both our daughters thrived in her KinderForest program in which they could explore nature, get creative, build friendships and grow into their best self. I highly recommend Susie’s child centred, well-structured and fun program to anyone looking for an alternative to the traditional classroom."

— Ashley S. 

"Susie is a treasured instructor! When she works with her learners she focuses on their strengths, experimentation, and helping them to follow their hearts when exploring art and their creative selves. Susie is also deeply connected to her community and can help learners also connect with the community through art.  We are grateful to Susie for sharing her talent and care."

— Helen R.