Born in Wexford and educated at undergraduate level in NUI Maynooth with an Honours degree in Psychology/Sociology. Dr Ní Chuileann was awarded a Masters of Science in Applied Forensic Psychology from the University of Leicester in the UK before returning to TCD to study for her PhD in the School of Psychology.

Having her youngest son diagnosed with autism propelled Susan back to education at the age of 29 and also inspired her to set up a support group for parents of young children on the spectrum in Wexford. After winning a High Court Action in 1999 for her sons right to an education, they were awarded a school in Wexford attached to a mainstream school to incorporated integration and reverse integration. To this day, it remains the only fully amalgamated school for mainstream children and children with ASD in the Republic of Ireland.

Susan have recently returned to Carlow College after working as the Clinical lead for children in residential care in Ireland where she was responsible for risk assessments, referrals and the clinical needs of over 50 children aged between 5 and 18. This applied practitioner role allowed Susan the status of Chartered and Registered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland.