Sue Ellen Wortzel is a seasoned educational leader, nonprofit founder, and executive assistant with over 20 years of experience in diverse roles across education, nonprofit management, and executive administration. She currently serves as the Education Director of Wylde Center, located in Decatur, GA.

Prior to this, Sue Ellen was the Head of School and owner of The Language Garden, LLC, a pioneering outdoor preschool in Atlanta, GA. In this role, they fostered a nurturing environment for faculty, staff, and young children, creating one of the first all-outdoor preschools in the southeast metro area. They designed inclusive, nature-based curricula, managed operations and budgeting, and facilitated the sale of the business to an employee. Their work at The Language Garden was recognized for its innovation in early childhood education and community collaboration.

Earlier, as the Founding Executive Director of TALICA (The Teaching and Learning Initiative for Central America), Sue Ellen partnered with Nicaraguan educators and officials to build and sustain public school libraries, establish scholarship programs, and secure ongoing support for educational initiatives. Their leadership involved strategic development, fundraising, and extensive cross-cultural collaboration, leading TALICA to be a valued educational resource on Ometepe Island.

Additionally, she brings extensive classroom and coaching experience from various educational institutions, including work as a literacy coach and ESOL lead in Gwinnett County, GA, and teaching positions in Costa Rica. This diverse background reflects their commitment to educational excellence, cross-cultural learning, and community-centered programming.

Sue Ellen has an M.Ed. Reading, Language, and Literacy from Georgia State University and outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and time in nature.