About us
Since 2004, Child-Centered Solutions has helped parents navigate separation, divorce and build workable, child-centered parenting plans. Even in complex or high-conflict situations, parents can move out of reactive patterns toward clearer communication, better decision-making, and practical agreements that support their children.
About SUSAN WIGGIN, PHD
president & Founder
Susan Wiggin, PhD, has spent over two decades helping families navigate separation, divorce, and post-divorce life with clarity and compassion. Her work spans high-conflict family matters, coercive control, intimate partner abuse, parental rights, and co-parenting education. Susan served as a Guardian ad Litem for many years in most of the district courts in Maine. She also was appointed as a Parent Coordinator when Maine had that statute. Susan continues to work closely with family law attorneys and GALs to support child-centered outcomes.
Susan’s approach is evidence-based and informed by leading research in family systems and conflict resolution. Her work emphasizes the importance of empathy, resilience, and protecting children’s emotional well-being during times of difficult transition. She understands that parental conflict and communication challenges can place added stress on children. Through structured processes, Susan helps parents move beyond impasse and reach child-centered agreements that support stability for children, while ensuring each parent is heard and treated with respect.
Known for her candor, Susan provides clear feedback and practical guidance to help parents improve communication, remove barriers to agreement, and set realistic expectations in even the most complex situations. At the core of her work is a belief in empathy and forward movement. With the right support, a healthier and more sustainable new normal is possible for parents, children, and blended families.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern Maine and completed advanced training at Harvard Law School through the Program on Principled Negotiation. She earned her PhD in Public Policy from the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine, where her research focused on coercive control and decision-making in family matters.
During their time with Susan, most co-parents working with Child-Centered Solutions leave with improved communication, practical agreements suitable for court documentation, and a clear strategy for moving forward.
Susan welcomes the opportunity to support you and your family on your co-parenting journey.
family law ACHIEVEMENT AWARD For Extraordinary leadership, professionalism and service to Maine families
awarded by maine state bar association in 2010
-
March 2024-Present
Member, Pro Bono Committee of the Justice Action Group
June 2023-Present
Equity Advocate; Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) Policy Board.
Greater Portland Council of Governments
December 2022-August 2024
Executive Board, Board of Directors, Kids First Center, Scarborough, Maine
June 2020-December 2022
President of the Board of Directors, Kids First Center, Scarborough, Maine
-
May 2022 - September 2024
Appointed By Governor Mills to Volunteer Maine as a Commissioner to Seat 14; an expert in the delivery of educational services to communities and people.
-
January 2004- Present
President and Founder of Child-Centered Solutions
July 2004- 2014
Guardian ad Litem, Title 19A Family Matters Cases
June 2000- August 2024
Educator, and Facilitator, Kids First Center
-
September 1996 - May 2000
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Southern Maine
September 2002-May 2004
Master of Social Work, University of Southern Maine
September-December 2007
Harvard Law School, Program on Principled Negotiation
September 2021-May 2025
PhD in Public Policy.
Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine.
Area of scholarship: Coercive Control and Family Matters.
SUpporting families,
Strengthening futures
Connect with Susan Wiggin, PhD, to learn more about expert child-centered support for families navigating separation, divorce, and complex family transitions.