
Susan Calder Heaps brings a lifetime of experience working with children and families. She has served as an elementary school teacher, Brownie leader, preschool board member, and active Home and School contributor. Her life has been deeply connected with children through her roles as a mother, grandmother, and through personal adoption within her own family and close circle.
After her years in elementary education, she moved into adult education through cooking programs. Her microwave and convection classes gained national attention and led to radio appearances, television features, and print media coverage. This success resulted in three Canadian National Bestselling cookbooks. One was printed in Braille at the request of the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), and another received the top award from The American Booksellers Association Cookbook Division.
WANTED is the result of more than a decade of reflection and experience. It is written for families of every culture and background, sharing a meaningful story of adoption, love, and belonging.
Sign up with your email address to receive my monthly newsletter packed with inspiration on the latest and greatest in speculative fiction.
Written from lived experience and years of working with children and families, this book offers practical insight and emotional honesty. Susan shares perspectives shaped by education, parenting, community service, and her own adoption journey.
The book answers a common question many adoptive parents ask: “Is it the same?” Through heartfelt storytelling and insight, readers move from early decisions to deep connection, bonding, and growth. It carries a powerful cross-cultural message of love, faith, and belonging.
WANTED is created for families, educators, and communities seeking a deeper understanding of adoption and belonging. It encourages meaningful conversations across generations and cultures, remaining relevant through every stage of family growth.
“The morning after Hurricane Donna, the world looked broken, but I felt oddly untouched — as if storms could tear down buildings, but not my childhood. I didn’t know then how quickly life could change.”
“Crossing the Atlantic alone at nineteen, I felt like this was the beginning of a non-stop adventure. But life doesn’t wait for bravery — sometimes it forces you forward.”
Neque porro quisquam est qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit
Sed mauris turpis, vehicula sollicitudin ligula sed, eleifend convallis nunc. Proin pretium malesuada tellus, eu tincidunt tellus lobortis nec. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Vivamus tempus enim sed eros malesuada, eget egestas tortor sodales. Nullam posuere ut felis eu tempus. Etiam quis aliquam ligula. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Sed efficitur dui ipsum, in eleifend justo hendrerit non.



If you would like to connect regarding the book WANTED, adoption discussions, you are welcome to reach out using the contact form. Messages from families, educators, and community groups are always welcome.