Prior to becoming an MLA, Patricia served as an academic researcher, political activist, education consultant, experienced leader, and local government representative.

Patricia specialised in the field of school exclusion and recently published a thesis called ‘Mainstreams, Margins and the Spaces In Between: Youth Experiences of School Exclusion in Northern Ireland.’

She also holds peer reviewed publications in the discipline of Children’s Rights.

Patricia has a PhD in Education, a Masters in Criminology and a Degree in Law. She is a Chartered Manager, Regional Representative for the Chartered Manager Institute, and an Executive Level Coach.