Born and raised in Queens, New York, Patti earned a BA and MA from State University of New York, College at New Paltz. She subsequently was awarded a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University, and worked as a clinician for nearly 20 years – 14 of these in boarding high schools in upstate NY and central California. Patti accepted her first Headship at Mulberry School, a preschool through 5th grade independent school in Los Gatos, CA, serving that community for six years. She subsequently led charter and independent schools on the Peninsula, and served as an Interim Head of School for a Montessori school in Massachusetts. It was during her year in Massachusetts that Patti found her passion with the teachings and philosophy of Maria Montessori – absorbing all she could by observing classrooms, being mentored and oriented to the Montessori prepared environment and materials, and by reading Dr. Montessori’s books and biographies.

When the opportunity arose for Patti to join the VMS community, she did so most eagerly. Since joining VMS, Patti has received her Montessori administrative credential, appreciating the additional depth of knowledge offered through that opportunity. She loves all things Montessori, recognizes the effectiveness of this educational philosophy, and is committed to being a lifelong learner in this regard. She also supports the work of the American Montessori Society by serving on the AMS accreditation commission, and participates in accreditation site visits to other schools through AMS, California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), all of the organizations that accredit the VMS authentic Montessori program.

Patti lives in Santa Clara with her husband, Jozef. Their three adult children all reside in Northern California, which allows them to visit frequently. Patti loves to cook, garden, take long walks and bike rides, and play with their four cats.