Susan Canning has been working as program director at Temple Beth-El since August 2000. She coordinates most of the programs held at the temple including adult education, scholars in residence, the Jewish film festival, Shabbat dinners and more. She is in the office afternoons Mondays through Thursdays and more when needed, and encourages you to contact her to discuss your thoughts about synagogue programs.

As of July 1, 2009, Susan has taken on the additional role of bookkeeper of the temple. She will be splitting her time between the Program Director's job and bookkeeping responsibilities.  Susan brings a great deal of experience to this position.

Susan grew up in central New Jersey, where she was active in Young Judaea, a youth group sponsored by Hadassah. Following High School she took a year off to attend Young Judaea’s Yearcourse in Israel program, which reinforced her love of Israel. Susan met her husband Todd while attending graduate school at Bard College. They live in Poughkeepsie with their two children.