SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia “Patty” Herrera to its Board of Directors.
Herrera is the Manager of Community Health for Dignity Health Northern Central Coast Hospitals, coordinating community education and outreach, and serves as Master Trainer for Stanford’s Chronic Self Disease Management program Healthier Living.
She started her career providing HIV/AIDS education in the Latino population, co-wrote a peer education HIV prevention program focusing on Latino women, and implemented a peer education HIV Prevention Program at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo County.
With more than twenty-five years of experience, Herrera has demonstrated her passion for providing effective health prevention education through her previous work at French Hospital Medical Center, Community Health Center of the Central Coast, Allan Hancock City College, and Planned Parenthood.
Patty lives in Orcutt with her husband and two adult children. She enjoys motorcycle rides on the back of her husband’s Harley, escaping to the movies, and exploring new cuisines.
“Patty brings a wealth of experience as well as understanding of community strengths and needs,” said Lisa Brabo, FSA Executive Director. “We are thrilled that she has joined the FSA board!”
Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) is a nonprofit social service agency that has served the people of Santa Barbara County since 1899. Operating as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center (SMVYFC) in Santa Maria and Little House By The Park (LHP) in Guadalupe, FSA helps the community’s most vulnerable children, families, and seniors meet their basic needs while simultaneously addressing mental health needs. Through this holistic approach, FSA improves the strength and well-being of our community. All services are provided free or on a sliding fee/donation scale and no one is denied assistance because of an inability to pay. Visit fsacares.org or call (805) 965-1001 for more information.