Susan Salome

Susan Salome is President of Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, a grassroots community organization that was founded with the help of her husband, Steven, after the devastating loss of their oldest son, Justin, in May 2012. After dealing with the catastrophic loss of their child, Ms. Salomone and her husband were inspired to make it their life’s mission that no parent should have to go through the horror that they became so tragically familiar with.

The organization is dedicated to raising awareness of the rampant use of heroin and opiates in the community, erasing the stigma of addiction, supporting families struggling with active addiction and working with legislators to improve treatment and make it more accessible to those who need it. It is an organization that goes above and beyond in order to make sure that they are succeeding in their quest for awareness and sobriety.

Ms. Salomone is committed to forming alliances with other coalitions and like-minded groups, to build a groundswell of support for people who are suffering with addiction. Her philosophy is that by taking this disease out of the darkness, the shame that accompanies addiction can be reduced.

Ms. Salomone was born and raised in New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Science in Counseling and a Master of Science in Supervision, all at esteemed New York State universities. She is retired from the New York City school system, where she taught 3rd and 5th grades. Ms. Salomone has trained elementary age students in peer mediation and creative conflict resolution, and is currently pursuing a credential as a Substance Abuse Counselor.

Ms. Salomone lives in Carmel, New York, with her three sons and husband, Steven. They will forever mourn the loss of their oldest son, Justin, but they continue on, knowing that the work they do can help others. They are fueled by the love and support of Justin’s brothers.