Dr. Susan L. Peterson, Ph.D., BCBA-D

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Susan L. Peterson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, a pioneering clinician, educator, and advocate whose life’s work transformed the field of autism services and touched the lives of countless individuals and families.

Born to the late Gene Stuart Peterson and Consuelo Peterson Stiehm-Craven, Susan was a lifelong learner and compassionate guide to those around her. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication defined both her professional and personal life.

Susan is survived by her loving husband, Roger Sharpe, and her beloved brother, Jonathan Peterson (Pamela). She was a devoted stepmother to James Sharpe, Jennifer Baker (Joseph), Christopher Sharpe (Stephanie), and Joseph Sharpe, and a proud grandmother to Lillian, Declan, and Emma. She was also a cherished step-aunt to Sarah (Makani) and Joshua.  Susan was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Carla Gaines-Peterson.

Dr. Peterson earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oregon and was both a board-certified behavior analyst and a licensed psychologist in the state of Delaware. Her distinguished career included pivotal roles in the Delaware Autism Program, where she shaped innovative instructional practices, trained educators and families, and developed effective behavior management protocols.

As Clinical Director of Autism Delaware, she was instrumental in expanding access to services and improving outcomes for individuals with autism across the state. Following her retirement, she remained an active force for change and compassion in the community.

Dr. Peterson also held leadership roles at Pyramid Educational Consultants in Newark, DE, serving as Director of U.S. Operations and later as Senior Consultant in Paris, France. Her work with the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and the Pyramid Approach to Education impacted professionals and families across North America and Europe.

Outside her professional contributions, Susan was an avid birdwatcher and environmental advocate. She chaired the Delmarva Ornithological Society, was named a Fellow for her conservation work, and received a Conservation Award in 2007. In her retirement, she dedicated time to global advocacy, joining her cousin in Washington, D.C., to support women’s reproductive rights internationally through her work with UNFPA.

Dr. Peterson’s legacy is one of compassion, intellect, and service. Her work lives on in the programs she helped build, the many professionals she mentored, and the families whose lives she enriched. She leaves behind a lasting imprint on the autism community in Delaware and far beyond.

She will be deeply missed.

Please join us to celebrate Susan’s beautiful life on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 from 4:00 - 9:00PM at Old Stone Cider, 959 Chesterville Road, Lewisville, PA 19351.  There will be music, food and drinks, with casual dressed suggested.

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