Dr. Susan Toohey - Superintendent
Dr. Susan Toohey is an Omaha native and has a vast array of educational experiences. Susan graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with teaching degrees in Earth Science and Social Sciences in 1986. 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 working to complete her Masters in Administration at UNO. Susan then accepted the position of Social Studies Supervisor for the Omaha Public Schools which included: textbook selection, standards alignment to state standards, teacher observation and coaching, curriculum alignment, and strategic planning. After serving as supervisor and middle school liaison she then returned to a school setting as the Data Processor and Assistant Principal at Lewis and Clark Middle School.
In 2009, she accepted the position of Head of School at Marian, an all-girls Catholic high school, and was responsible for fund-raising and the day-to-day administration of the high school. In 2012, Mrs. Susan Toohey became Dr. Susan Toohey after successfully completing her doctorate at Creighton University. In 2014, The Lozier Foundation offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to begin a unique, dynamic, creative, community-based, free, private school and Susan was compelled to return to her urban education roots and take on the amazing adventure of being a part of the creation of Nelson Mandela Elementary. She served as principal from 2015-2020.
Dr. Toohey continues to serve as Superintendent but has handed over the school administration reins. 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 that I will be able to join them on this exciting journey! I know that they will teach me so much and I am grateful.”
