Hello, I’m Suzanne.
I’m Suzanne Newman, Founder and CEO of Answers for Elders.
For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with some of the most remarkable people shaping the future of aging. This work began with my own experience caring for my mother, and it changed the direction of my life. I discovered how overwhelming the aging journey can be for families—and how difficult it can be to know who to trust, what questions to ask, or where to turn.
But I also discovered an extraordinary community of people working every day to make aging better.
I’m a storyteller and a connector at heart. I love bringing people together, asking the questions families really want answered, and shining a light on ideas that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
That’s really the heart behind North Star Leaders & Innovators.
Each month, I’ll introduce you to visionaries, changemakers, entrepreneurs and thought leaders who are challenging the status quo and asking bigger questions about how we live, care, connect and thrive as we grow older.
We’ll talk about emerging technologies and new models of care. We’ll explore ideas that are changing senior living, caregiving, health, housing and longevity. And most importantly, we’ll meet the people behind those ideas—not just to learn what they’re creating, but why they believe it matters.
Because navigating the aging journey isn’t only about solving the challenges we face today. It’s also about looking ahead to what’s possible tomorrow.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not working, I’m happiest at home surrounded by the things—and the four-legged characters—I love. I have a passion for decorating and giving old furniture new life, and I’m a firm believer that a home should tell the story of the person who lives there.
I’m also deeply connected to the Pacific Northwest and its wildlife. I’ve served on the board of Orca Conservancy for more than 20 years, including as President, and protecting our Southern Resident orcas is a cause that has been close to my heart for decades.
Music has always been an important part of who I am. I was a music major in college, and to this day music is one of the things that brings me the most joy—especially the Eagles. I’m also an unapologetic Star Trek: The Next Generation fan. I love great food, a good glass of wine, interesting conversation, and spending time with people who make me laugh.
Dogs have played an extraordinary role in my life as well. I’m the founder of Washington Therapy Dogs, an organization that has grown into a wonderful community of therapy dog teams serving people throughout our region. My beloved Goldendoodle, Whidbey, was its very first registered therapy dog, and together we experienced firsthand the remarkable connection that can happen between people and animals. Today, my Brittanydoodle, Skagit, keeps that love of dogs—and a considerable amount of mischief—very much alive in my home.
More than anything, I find joy in creating, connecting with people, and discovering the stories and little moments that make life meaningful.
I’m so glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll join me each month as we discover the people, ideas and innovations helping to shape a better future for aging.
Suzanne Newman
Founder & CEO, Answers for Elders
Host, North Star Leaders & Innovators
