Patti Horsley
Patti Horsley believes improving the health of individuals and communities helps people be physically and mentally happy and achieve their full potential. Patti began as an accidental health educator as an undergraduate at Western Washington University. After an uninspired attempt at a business degree, she was diligently completing her requirements for physical therapy school when she became a Peer Health Educator on campus. Thus began her love of public health as a vehicle for good things. Patti moved from the cold and rainy northwest to sunny San Diego for her Master’s Degree in Public Health at San Diego State University. After receiving her MPH, Patti went on to explore different methods for promoting public health, from working with youth to prevent and reduce consequences of underage drinking in Mexico to preventing traffic injuries through state-level policy, planning and coalition work. Patti’s current work is diverse - ranging from helping local health departments implement obesity prevention plans, to fostering outdoor active play opportunities for families at Chico parks, to helping local leaders advocate in Sacramento for changes to laws and regulations that impact health. Her topical interests are equally diverse and include gun violence, mental health, obesity prevention, active transportation, and leadership development. Patti’s passion is fostering opportunities for people to uncover their strengths and achieve their full potential in the world. Through service learning opportunities and interactive discussion, her classes are designed for learning, engagement and growth. In her time away from work, Patti enjoys her family, yoga and Pilates. She visits the ocean and her home state of Washington as much as possible.