Susan Stanton holds a master's degree in Library Science. She has also completed a Diploma in Visual Arts at the Box Hill Institute, Victoria, and has undertaken theological studies at the United Faculty of Theology, University of Melbourne.

Stanton met Ivan Southall (q.v.) at the University of California, Berkeley in 1971 and their friendship and commitment subsequently deepened through correspondence. Stanton moved to Australia in 1975 and married Southall on 11 November 1976.

Ballet played a significant part in Stanton's youth. Her interest is reflected in her children's book, Ballet Shoes for the Goblin, and she also established a ballet school in Healesville, Victoria.