Patricia is a National Certified Counselor who was born in Seattle, WA but has lived and worked in CA, OR, MI, CO, AZ and OH. She received her BA in Math, English and Psychology and Secondary Teaching Credentials from UC San Jose. She went on to get a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and was awarded the 1999 Alumna of the Year from that institution. She has several other certifications in the counseling area. Program development in child safety, equity education and conflict mediation were some of her key contributions. Her career centered on children and families both as a mathematics teacher for 7 years and school counselor for 25 years. She was named First Runner up as the Colorado School Counselor of the year. After retiring, Patricia became A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children in foster care. Promoting this cause remains her passion. Current interests: All things Italian! While growing up, Patricia lived with her immigrant grandparents from Abruzzo for several years in a large Italian American neighborhood in Detroit, MI. She eventually wrote four books: Dante Alighiero from Medbury Street, Bambina and Domenic, an Italian Love Story, Dear John, and her current book, Orienta…She Is the Dance (on the market)-all of which honor her Italian heritage. Italian history-especially the Renaissance period, are another strong interest. She has traveled to Italy five times and can’t wait to go back.