Experience, Education and Training
Prior to working in the schools, Patty earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Art Therapy and worked as a creative arts therapist, portrait painter and photographer. Her experience in these fields has given her a unique perspective into the creative process and the multiple gifts of her clients. As an art therapist she honed her skills in client centered, interpersonal practices.
Patty received her Master of Arts degree in Education and Psychological Studies with an added endorsement in School Psychology in 1987 and has held a Professional Special Services license from The Colorado Department of Education for 20 years. She worked as a School Psychologist for Denver Public Schools for 17 years and for Jefferson County Public Schools for two years. In her current practice, she provides a broad spectrum of diagnostic services for gifted children and adults, persons with disabilities, college students and The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Having worked as a school psychologist, Patty can now offer her expertise in this area to her clients. For prospective clients who are not familiar with the field of school psychology, school psychologists offer expertise in the psychology of thinking, feeling and learning which impacts every aspect of life including socializing, family interactions and school or work performance. They are experts in addressing the educational, emotional, social and behavioral challenges that children and adults experience. They apply their understanding of human development, psychodynamics, learning theory and the impact of culture, health and the environment to serve clients and their families. Experience in the schools provides them with unique insight into how the education system impacts children from the highest levels of administration to the teacher-student relationship and the social dynamics of the classroom. This applies to the elementary, secondary and college level. The holistic and scientific based training of school psychologists makes them uniquely qualified to apply theory and practice to education, employment and daily life.
Patty has the following experience with gifted education and assessment:
*Trained with nationally renowned experts in the field.
*Served as Director of Gifted Education for a local school district.
*As a school psychologist she provided counseling, advocacy and assessment for gifted students in two schools with programs for gifted children.
*Taught art at a private school for gifted and talented students.
*Served on the GT advisory counsel for Denver Public Schools.
*Raised a gifted and talented child.