You might recognize her name among the myriad of daily D-List emails, but Pati Montojo ‘14 is one to watch. As Manager of the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) and a licensed psychologist, she supervises a small team of staff committed to supporting the health and well-being of faculty, staff, and family members. ASAP provides confidential short-term counseling, consultation, wellness workshops, and assistance with threat management. This year, Pati was recognized by our community as one of this year’s Unsung Heroines, specifically for her role in starting a working mothers support group.
PWA: What motivates you at work?
Pati: My two young children. I work harder, longer and better for them. From my professional role and work experiences, I hope to teach my children to love learning, care about people, and work hard for whatever they want or believe in.
PWA: Work can be challenging. What would you say is your approach to facing challenges that arise?
Pati: We, at ASAP, are busier than ever during this difficult time in our state and country. I am a strong team player and value my team. I seek support and ask for help. I could not face the challenges we are currently facing without the support of my staff.
PWA: What is something you've worked on and/or accomplished that you are proud of?
Pati: As a daughter of immigrant parents, who understood the importance of education, I am proud of the advanced degree and specialized training I received from my doctoral program, CCSP at UCSB. I am proud to be a bilingual Spanish-speaking psychologist of color.
PWA: What is one way that you relax/decompress/have fun outside of work?
Pati: After having my first child, I understood the value of community especially as a first time mother. I relocated my family to Santa Barbara to be close to my people. My tribe consists of strong women, mostly psychologists who graduated from the same doctoral program at UCSB, and among us we have ten children under the age of four. Social connections are imperative, now more than ever. Also, I will never pass an opportunity to date my husband, which is rare these days having two toddlers, and both being essential workers during a pandemic.