PATCH Youth / Young Person
Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH) Program
Hey everyone! I'm Amy (she/her), proud Founder & Director of Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH). Over the past 15 years, nurturing PATCH's growth has been an incredible honor, recognized through various accolades such as being named a de Beaumont 40 under forty in public health inductee, receiving a Vince Hutchins Partnership Award from HRSA Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and being honored as a Woman to Watch by BRAVA Magazine, among many others.
Before immersing myself in all things PATCH, I earned a Masters degree in Family and Consumer Communication and a Masters of Public Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My journey led me to the healthcare industry, where I passionately delved into health communication and promotion. I also had the pleasure of teaching mass communication and interpersonal relationship techniques, both in universities and through collaborations with non-profits and research organizations. These experiences fueled my passion for working to improve the health and well being of future generations.
In 2009, I found my sweet spot as the Associate Director at the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health (now Embolden, WI). This role provided the freedom, creativity, and support to launch PATCH—an initiative that blends my love for working with youth, my communication background, and my public health expertise. And I've been here ever since!
Tending to things I love (including PATCH) is one of my favorite pastimes. I have two amazing teens of my own (ages 13 and 15), two lovable dogs, two sassy cats, four silly chickens, and a jungle of plants that I care for daily. When I'm taking care of mySELF, you'll catch me running or getting sweaty in hot yoga.
This year at AMCHP I'm joined by two amazing PATCH youth, Ava & Finn. Be sure to find us and learn about them, too!