Susan Mokelke, J.D.

Executive Director

FSS Faculty

Susan has had more than 20 years experience working with non-profit educational organizations — teaching, designing courses and materials, making educational presentations, fundraising, coordinating volunteer activities, writing, working with websites, and producing videos. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from USC and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. She has been learning and practicing shamanism and shamanic healing since 1996 and has completed all of the Foundation's advanced courses.

"It is wonderful to be part of the Foundation's dedicated team. The Foundation for Shamanic Studies has had enormous impact on our world, helping to connect people all over the world with powerful sources of compassion and wisdom. Many indigenous traditions have been preserved or are reawakening and our technological world has a greater appreciation for their value.

The core shamanic teachings brought to us by Michael Harner are fundamental and timeless. By learning the practice of shamanism, people are having the experience of the oneness of all things, knowledge that has tremendous potential to heal our world. I am honored and delighted to be part of helping FSS move into the future with the same high standards and depth that have been the Foundation's trademarks."

Susan Mokelke
Executive Director

In addition to her role as Executive Director, Susan is also part of the FSS Faculty and coteaches workshops with Michael Harner. She has trained extensively in the Two Week Shamanic Healing Intensives and the Three-Year Programs in Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing – as well as teaching the new Pacific Northwest Three Year program. Susan has written several articles on shamanism, including Effective Core Shamanic Drumming Circles, Ethical Considerations in Shamanic Healing, and Core Shamanism and Daily Life. She is the editor of the Shamanism Annual and the FSS E-Newsletter.

"Susan Mokelke, who co-leads the Foundation for Shamanic Studies with me, has superb credentials as an outstanding shamanic healer and teacher. She is an inspiring, compassionate, and knowledgeable workshop leader. Anyone who studies with her can be sure of receiving the most up-to-date and accurate results of my research, for she maintains the gold standard of core shamanism. I recommend her enthusiastically." – Michael Harner

Her students say:

“Susan is filled with stories, grace, encouragement, authenticity, humor, and a strong sense of ethics. She demonstrates a vast knowledge and experience without any judging.”

“Susan carried such a strong presence. I felt honored and activated by her energy and spirit."

"Susan is great. Clear, kind, gentle, direct. Very knowledgeable."

Susan has had a lifelong interest in creativity and the creative process. She has composed two CDs of healing songs - Teachings from the Spirits (originally produced by FSS) and Be a Light - and has written a fantasy novel, Roseheart.