Suzanne Cook, Ph.D.
Consultant, Speaker, Advisor, Academic Entrepreneur
Welcome to Carpe Vitam where we recognize possibility by utilizing creative problem solving. I engage individuals, groups and organizations and help them see opportunity to ignite learning, and inspire change and transformation
Suzanne is a researcher, trainer, speaker and advisor to organizations, associations and government.
Suzanne brings considerable experience from academia, business, government and non-profit organizations, giving her a unique ability to bridge theory and practice within these spheres. She uses her expertise to enlighten others, create awareness and develop innovative and responsive solutions.
Suzanne’s public speaking, workshop facilitation, advisory and policy work have brought her both individuals and organizations as clients. Her learning, educational and knowledge sharing programs are much in demand.
She conducts work in equity, diversity and inclusion. She takes a life course perspective and promotes continuous learning and improvement.
- Revera
- Baycrest
- LoyaltyOne
- Brampton BIA
- Investors Group
- Volunteer Canada
- City of Peterborough
- University of Ottawa
- Goan Overseas Association
- Peterborough Council on Aging
- Bayview Cummer Neighbourhood Association
- Desjardins Financial Securities Independent Network
- Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development
- City of Toronto, Long-Term Care Homes and Services
- Human Resources and Skill Development Canada
- Statistics Canada
Suzanne has also worked with community organizations such as the Golden Legends Community Volunteers and nonprofit organizations including faith groups.
Through her company Carpe Vitam, meaning ‘seize life’, Suzanne is an innovative thought leader in the field of healthy aging. She explains how positive, active aging can afford us a healthier and more productive society, more competitive organizations and bring individuals greater well-being and quality of life. The active engagement of older adults builds stronger, age-friendly communities and a more civil society.
Suzanne was a Professor at Seneca College where she taught courses such as Transformative Learning in Communities, Family Theory, Group Dynamics, and Communication and Interpersonal Skills. She is Faculty Fellow at the Trent Centre for Aging and Society at Trent University. Suzanne was formerly Adjunct Professor at York University in the Department of Sociology where she enjoyed teaching in the Youth and Life Course Studies program. She received research grants for her work on mature workers and later life career development including research grants from CERIC – the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling, and from the Ontario Human Capital Research Innovation Fund (with Thomas Klassen, York Univerity).
Suzanne obtained her Ph.D. in Adult Education and Community Development from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. She is currently working on a book and a documentary film that are based on her research.
Suzanne has a foundation in courses in adult development and aging, gerontology and family and social relations at the University of Guelph, where she also later taught full time and inspired students in these two programs from 2003 to 2006. Subsequently, she taught at the University of Guelph-Humber and within the Therapeutic Recreation program at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology.
