Patricia has proudly called Nova Scotia home for her entire life. She graduated from Dalhousie University/University of King’s College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree before receiving a Bachelor of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University. Patricia worked for a number of years as a teacher in Halifax before returning to school to complete her Master of Education in Counselling from Acadia University. During her time as a guidance counsellor and teacher at Forest Heights Community School in Chester Grant, Patricia had the opportunity to work with Dr. Stan Kutcher, piloting his mental health curriculum, which has since been adopted nationally.
A career in politics was a natural fit for Patricia who had been an active volunteer in her church, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the IWK, and the Diman Association of Canada. She has had the privilege of serving as MLA for Fairview-Clayton Park since 2013, and in 2017 was appointed to Cabinet. She has previously served as Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services.
Patricia serves as Deputy House Leader and Shadow Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development.