For more than 30 years, Ms. Pat has been a familiar face and a trusted friend to many at Easterseals West Kentucky. She first joined the organization in 1993 as a volunteer, and it didn't take long for others to see her passion for helping our participants—or for her to join the family. Just a few months later, she was offered a full-time position in our daycare center, and she's been making a difference ever since.
When Ms. Pat started, Easterseals was just one small building. She's watched the organization grow, seen new centers built, and helped shape the lives of countless children and adults along the way. After spending many years caring for children, she transitioned to Adult Day Training in 2021, where her compassion continues to shine just as brightly.
To Ms. Pat, Easterseals isn't just a workplace—it's family.
It's just like family over here. I love everyone, especially our participants. I wouldn't be here without them.
Her years are filled with memories—too many to count—but one that still makes her laugh is of a young preschooler she once cared for. Ms. Pat has spent many years watching our participants grow from young infants to working adults. She recalls working with a young toddler who continued to attend Easterseals West Kentucky as an adult until he recently passed away. Stories like this are part of what makes Ms. Pat so special: she's cared for some participants from their very first days to their final moments, leaving behind a legacy of love, patience, and laughter.
It's been a wonderful experience and a great part of my life. I don't think I'll ever retire.
Her coworkers agree that Easterseals simply wouldn't be the same without her. One college shared,
I always appreciate how she loves the participants. She acts like a momma to them. They love her as much as she loves them.
After three decades of service, Ms. Pat continues to remind us what it means to serve with heart and to truly live our mission every single day.
