Rakali

Susan Pugh-Rankin (aka Rakali) grew up near Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She was valedictorian at a small country school called Berryville Elementary; attended Mary D Bradford High School; and then studied German and Life Science at the University of Wisconsin/Parkside.

It was not easy for her to decide what she actually wanted to do after graduating from university. Teaching was never first on her list, but it turned out to be the perfect fit. Both her language background and her science studies proved to be invaluable. She taught at several secondary schools, creating lasting memories for both herself and her students.

Sue always considered herself a free spirit, and thought nothing of hopping on a plane to some unknown destination all by herself. It was a great way for her to meet new people and experience other cultures first hand.

Eventually she travelled to Australia on a two-year teaching contract…and never left. Not only did she enjoy being involved in the education of young minds, she also fell in love with the wildlife in Australia. She was fortunate to participate in a project to save the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby, once thought to be extinct. That is when she began to listen to the stories that the animals would tell her.

She and her husband raised their two children on their acreage property, a portion of which is designated Land For Wildlife. Together they ran a successful physiotherapy practice, and still enjoy being involved in the health and fitness industry. They have 3 very active grandchildren.

Sue is now an avid golfer, gardener and loves to do parkrun every Saturday. She is a proud member of Pacific Golf Club and Thompson Estate Athletics Club, both of which are located in Brisbane.

There is always another story percolating in her mind, often about animals or an experience at parkrun. Sue (aka Rakali) believes in maintaining her fitness by “moving”…and encourages others to do the same, both by example and through her stories.