Addington Cotillion is named after Susan Werner’s Grandmother, Viona Addington. Viona laid the foundation for Susan’s interest in etiquette, by exemplifying the definition of “Grace” and generosity. To honor her Grandmother’s memory and infuse the world with an appreciation for the lost art of “Grace”, Susan decided to, pay it forward and was certified in Etiquette and Protocol by the “Protocol School of Washington, in Washington D.C.” in 1998. After several years of teaching etiquette and protocol, Susan was asked to start a cotillion at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, so Addington Cotillion debuted in 2007. Due to Susan’s background, the program has developed more etiquette and interactive exercises than many traditional cotillions. To make it more fun, Susan has added unique components, such as King and Queen-court, dancing the twist with the parents each session and incorporating International Protocol into the Supper Club for the older students.
Susan earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach (1993), is a Psi Chi Honor Society member, and is certified in Etiquette and International Protocol by the Protocol School of Washington, in Washington D.C. She has been teaching “Etiquette” at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport since 1998 and was an instructor of “International Protocol” at CSULB Extension Services (2000-2003).
From 1999-2002 Susan hosted a local access cable T.V. show “Susan Werner At Home” which addressed “Graceful” living in Southern California. It offered a voice to local charities, gave instructions on floral design, table setting, etiquette, and other “Graceful” living tips. Her most recent t.v. appearance was on “Parents just don’t understand”. A ten-year-old boy (Cole) switches life with his Mother for the day (including our cotillion). Have fun watching:
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Mrs. Werner also specializes in private tutorials and corporate seminars. Some of her past clients include Delta Dental, Spencer, Shenk & Capers, Embassy Christian College, Miss America Pageant and Rhodes Scholar applicants. In Addition, Mrs. Werner recently conducted a number of presentations and tutorials addressing “International Protocol” and “Dining Skills” to several fraternal organizations in the Southern California region including USC, UCLA, UCI and USD.
Charitable work is an important part of Susan’s life. She is a former Board member of the Long Beach Grand Cru which is a wine tasting, benefiting the Legal Aid Society of Los Angeles. She is also a former County, Public Relations Officer for the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and also served as Head Advisor for the Junior Philharmonic of Orange County.