Helping to Advocate
About Your Advocate
Special Education Teacher with 17 years of classroom experience. Mom of three children who have IEPs.
I graduated from Paul VI High School in 1999 as an Honors student. Then, I attended Camden County College for a year and a half where I studied Early Childhood Education and decided to pursue my dream of becoming a Special Education teacher. I transferred to Cabrini College where I earned my certification in both Elementary and Special Education. I graduated from Cabrini College in 2005 before it became a University.
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After I graduated from Cabrini College I was hired in 2005 as a Special Education teacher and I taught Kindergarten through third grade for seven years. Currently, I am an inclusion teacher that teaches fourth grade. I continue to advocate for my students and their families in IEP meetings.
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As a teacher, I have always been passionate about advocating for services that my students need to be successful in the classroom. I am a firm believer that students do not all learn in the same way and that it is important as I make modifications to help them be successful. I also believe it is very important for teachers to understand that every student learns differently. Fair does not mean that everyone gets the same thing, it means that every student should get what they need to be successful in the classroom.
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I have had the privilege and the opportunity to advocate for many children and their families as a special education teacher. In addition, I have taken pride in the fact that I have had a positive relationship with the families of my students. After teaching for seventeen years, I have learned how valuable it is to have an advocate in an IEP meeting to assist parents as they navigate their way through the special education process.
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*Tricia Patti is not an attorney and cannot offer you legal advice.*
Testimonials
Danielle Komis
My son's teacher was telling me that my son was reading on a particular level. I felt that he was on a different level. Tricia was able to assist me on determining my son's reading level and reassuring me of what my son's reading strengths and weaknesses were. Tricia also helped me to come up with a list of questions to take with me to my son's next meeting with his speech therapist to ensure that I asked the right questions. Tricia also assisted me with obtaining a 504 for my son and acquiring the appropriate modifications that he would need to be successful in the classroom. I know that I can always reach out to Tricia and she is a knowledable, supportive advocate that will help me with any questions or concerns that I may have.
Pamela Zimolong
I have had the pleasure of knowing Tricia Patti for over 25 years. She has consistently remained a genuinely kind, helpful and supportive individual. Tricia and I have taught in the same school district for the past 15 years. During the past four years, Tricia and I have worked together as co-teachers in a 4th grade classroom. She has always exemplified for our students a compassion for learning and putting their needs above all else each and every day. Not only is she supportive of our students and families, she works extremely well with all individuals in the building and volunteers for a multitude of committees that support our entire school community. Tricia truly enjoys helping others and always goes above and beyond to do all she can for anyone. Our students each year enjoy coming to school everyday due her outgoing personality, and dedication to them as students and individuals. The love and respect she demonstrates resonates with each student and they often come back or send emails expressing their gratitude to her for all she has done for them. I am truly blessed to not only work with such a talented and caring person, but to also have such a wonderful friend. Tricia puts her all into everything she sets her mind to and expresses a wealth of knowledge in an array area as an advocate and educator. In my personal and professional opinion, Tricia displays numerous qualities and characteristics that will prepare and support you and your child as you navigate various avenues within the field of education.
Jenn & Anthony Perno
Our son AJ was in first grade when we recognized he was struggling with reading. We were told some children just take longer to read. My husband and I are not educators but we were concerned because our son had a large vocabulary and his verbal skills were way beyond his age. We were recommended to Tricia Patti. She evaluated our son and was able to explain what areas were of concern to her and that in fact our son was struggling. Tricia was able to provide interventions that truly helped AJ catch up to his peers. She knew exactly what he needed to be successful with reading and in school. Tricia was also able to give us resources as parents to help AJ . She is a true professional with years of valuable experience in the field of special education. AJ is now a Freshman in high school. He loves to read and is academically excelling. Tricia gave him the skills needed to be a successful young adult with a high level of confidence. We are ever grateful to Tricia!!
I understand how stressful it can be to hear that your child is struggling in the classroom and they are being recommended to the child study team for testing or evaluation. I can help you navigate the process and ease the worry.
An advocate is a person that helps answer questions when you don't know whom to turn to about education.