Meet Patty Myers

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patty Myers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Patty, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose when my son was diagnosed with autism almost 20 years ago. I started helping him full-time and then got certified in ABA along the way. After that I started helping others and knew this was my calling, not just as a mom but as a school Director/Principal too.

I started my own private learning differences school for Middle and High School as well as another nonprofit helping teens and adults with disabilities learn life, social, and job skills.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have 2 nonprofits – Building Pathways Foundation and Pathways For Life Academy. I am CEO and also Executive Director for both. I am trying to empower, encourage, and love on my students to excel and grow in independence in all areas of life.
I don’t want them to need my services anymore. I want them to soar.
This is what drives me, helping them to help themselves.

I lost my husband of 31+ years about 2 years ago and he helped me so much with both. The last 2 years have been such a hard time to navigate doing these without him. I am trying my best to continue to try and make a difference in their lives by providing these services.

We want to continue to provide a safe place where young teens and adults with different challenges can be who they are and get the support to move forward in life taking care of themselves.

Building Pathways (BP) we have Sat Social Skill Classes, Day Program, Summer Camps, and Guys Supportive Housing. www.building-pathways.com
We are always needing volunteers to help us with all these various programs to help give the participants more practice socially.
Pathways For Life Academy we are a private school for Middle and High School. We incorporate cooking, shopping, and executive functioning skills training throughout the week.
Both of my programs are 501(c)(3) charitable corporations who are always looking for partnerships with different local companies to give them job experience and partner doing fundraising activities.
We are also needing volunteers M-F to help support our students in the classroom or other life and social activities.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge for me were: 1) Strength – This field there is so much burnout. I have been in the field now for almost 20 years. It is my heart, but you have to balance it out in order to last. You must have patience and not take things personal. I don’t judge them, I think is there challenge a motivation problem or skill deficit. How can I help them?

2) Courage- You need this in order to stand up and advocate for these teens and adults. I have heard SOOO many No’s they can’t be included. I don’t let that stop me. Never! I just go another way. These students have so much courage each and everyday overcoming so many challenges I want to be there for them. I see how they CAN do it.

3) ABA- When I learned these principles it went against the grain of what I was currently doing. It is so valuable to follow them. It has changed my life when you can look at behavior through the 4 functions. It makes it so much more simpler really.

My biggest advice for younger folks is to be humble and willing to learn from day 1. Even if you have all this schooling and experience maybe we can always learn. I am still learning. When I teach these students I am reminded too. Always keep up with Professional Development to sharpen you. Be mindful of burnout and take time for YOU too.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Since my husband passed away I feel more overwhelmed in serving and helping folks just because he and I did so much of the work. Now he is gone and I am not at my best, or at least not like I was. I am emotional, I have brain fog, and feel more tired. I need more help.
I need volunteers.
I need more job sites to help them gain practice and skills.
I need mentors.
I need supplies and materials to help teach them.
We teach them grocery shopping and cooking in both programs.
I need more support.
We need monetary donations.

Contact Info:

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