Biography

Suzanne Ritter, Ph.D., has worked at Columbus Academy since 1999 and is the Chair for Student Support Services. She has been the co-director of Student Support Services, alongside Heather Levingston, since the start of the 2022-23 school year. 

Along with her duties as co-director, Suzanne currently provides positive psychology education for upper and middle school students, with the goal of supporting student well-being and achievement. She also provides counseling and crisis intervention to upper school students.

Suzanne previously worked as both our Upper and Middle Psychologist, joining Academy after 19 combined years of experience between time spent in South-Western City Schools, The Ohio State University Office of Disability Services, as a certified rehab counselor with Goodwill Industries, Travelers Insurance, and with a small consulting firm. She is a licensed psychologist, holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Dayton, a M.A. in rehab counseling and Ph.D. in school psychology from The Ohio State University. Suzanne and her husband, Randy, have two adult children: Natalie ’11 and Thomas.

Suzanne’s favorite thing about Columbus Academy
I love the beauty of the campus, the friendships I have made over the years, and the passion of the faculty and staff in providing the best experience and education for the students. I have met so many resilient students, and have truly been honored and humbled to have been able to be part of their experience here at CA.

Little-known fact
“I was born in Baltimore and also lived on Long Island as a child. I grew up in the restaurant business. My dad owned Deibel's in German Village (now Barcelona's), which was a German Restaurant and one of the most popular bars in Columbus in the 1970s and 1980s, best known for Esther, the accordion player. I started working washing dishes in junior high, and worked there until I was married.”

Favorite sports team
“Not a huge sports fan, but I do always follow UD Flyers!” 

Education
  • B.A. University of Dayton , Psychology
  • M.A. The Ohio State University , Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Ph.D. The Ohio State University , School Psychology