Susan B. Klusman grew up mainly in Marin County, California. However, she spent summers with her family in a cabin a few miles from Genoa, Nevada. With her native American friend Melba who lived nearby, she learned the Washoe culture and developed an appreciation for the natural beauty of the region. Although Susan has lived on three continents, the summers spent with her friend in Carson Valley remain some of her fondest memories. Susan currently resides in Washington, D.C.