Susan Hagen Nipp was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, with two brothers. Music surrounded the family as they sang in the church choir, joined in trios and quartets, and played various instruments. Susan studied piano and flute and was in her high school and college band, orchestra, and choir. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in music with a minor in education from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington. Upon graduation, she taught high school English in Washington and later, elementary school music in Oregon. Susan and her husband, Charlie, live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They have two adult sons.