Dr. Susan Toohey - Superintendent

Dr. Susan Toohey, an Omaha native, has a diverse array of educational experiences. Susan graduated from the University of Northern Colorado. After teaching for one year in Colorado, Susan and her husband, Mike, returned to Omaha, where she taught social studies, English, and drama for OPS while also pursuing her master’s degree in administration at UNO. Susan accepted the position of Social Studies Supervisor and later as an Assistant Principal for OPS.

In 2009, she accepted the position of Head of School at Marian. She completed her doctorate at Creighton University in 2012. In 2014, the Lozier Foundation offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish a unique, dynamic, creative, community-based, free, private school, and Susan was compelled to return to her urban education roots and embark on the amazing adventure of being part of the creation of Nelson Mandela Elementary. She served as principal from 2015 to 2020.

Dr. Toohey continues to serve as Superintendent but has handed over the reins of the school administration. She splits her time between the school and serving as the Director of Educational Initiatives for the Lozier Foundation. She says,

“I love working with the scholars of Nelson Mandela Elementary School because they are our future, and I have so much passion for education, and I know that they will be the ones to change our city, our state, and our world. I am thrilled to join them on this exciting journey! I know that they will teach me so much, and I am grateful.”