Susan Wilkie

When Susan Wilkie moved to Fort McMurray 19 years ago, she expected to build a life and career alongside her husband, who had accepted a job in the oil and gas industry. What she has built since then is a legacy rooted in education, advocacy, and connection that reaches far beyond the walls of a classroom.

Born and raised in Georges River, Cape Breton, Susan grew up with a strong sense of community and a passion for learning. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from St. Francis Xavier University, followed by a Bachelor of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, and later a Master of Education from the University of Calgary. Her academic path reflects who she is today: a leader, an educator, and a tireless advocate for equity and inclusion.

For most of her career, Susan taught math to students in grades 7 through 12. Today, she serves as the Numeracy Consultant for Fort McMurray Catholic Schools, where she supports teachers and students in shaping positive, engaging experiences with mathematics. She is passionate about challenging the belief that math is something to survive rather than enjoy.

“Whether working with students or teachers, I enjoy sharing my love of math with others and helping people realize we are all math people,” she says. “So many people have a terrible relationship with math, so I try to make it a more enjoyable experience for kids of all ages.”

Her influence extends into post-secondary education as well. Susan teaches future math teachers in the University of Alberta’s Bachelor of Education cohort at Keyano College, helping shape the next generation of educators with the same energy and insight she brings to every classroom.

But Susan’s commitment to community reaches far beyond education. She serves as president of the Edmonton Epilepsy Association, which supports individuals and families across Northern Alberta, including Fort McMurray. Her connection to the organization is deeply personal. After her son was diagnosed with a rare type of epilepsy, Susan experienced firsthand how isolating the journey could be, despite excellent medical care.

She joined the association as a member, later became a board member, and eventually stepped into the role of president. Her leadership is anchored in a vision of connection and inclusivity. One of her main goals is to change the organization’s name to better reflect the full region it serves and to ensure families outside Edmonton feel seen and supported.

Building community is a family affair for Susan. She, her husband, and their children make time to volunteer together, from food bank drives to supporting their sons’ extracurricular programs. “I’m thankful for the support of my husband and kids who just smile every time I say yes to some new commitment,” she says.

Advocating for inclusion and equity isn’t just important to her; it’s how she lives. Throughout her teaching career, she has modelled leadership beyond the classroom through student council initiatives, charity fundraisers, and school events. She believes deeply in practicing what she teaches, and her actions reflect that philosophy.

Looking ahead, Susan is focused on three major goals: guiding teachers through the rollout of a new math curriculum, repositioning the epilepsy association with a more inclusive name, and building a new cottage in Cape Breton. This personal dream keeps her connected to her roots.

She also keeps an eye on the needs of a growing community. From the desire for more recreation spaces to improved airport connections, Susan recognizes the importance of infrastructure that supports families and strengthens relationships beyond the region.

When it comes to the future development of Fort McMurray, Susan sees her role as both advocate and educator. “I look forward to how we can expand the presence of the epilepsy association within our region, and while I’d love to inspire the next generation of math lovers, I’ll be just as happy if more people give math a chance,” she says.

Whether she’s leading from the front of a classroom, the head of a board table, or the sidelines of a community event, Susan Wilkie brings compassion, conviction, and a belief that everyone deserves to feel included. Her work is about more than numbers or titles; it’s about building understanding, one person at a time.