Susan Binkley grew up in Tennessee and received a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee. In addition to working as a professional artist, she owned and operated a horse farm and boarding operation, developed unique vacation rentals, created a bakery/café, and established a granola manufacturing business. In 2003 Binkley founded Blue Monarch, a non-profit, long-term residential recovery program for women and their children. Awards include Women in American History Award from Daughters of the American Revolution, TIAA Difference Maker, and an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from the University of the South. Susan lives with her husband, Clay, on the Cumberland Plateau overlooking a state park.
