Patterson, though, didn't build her business on marketing strategies and customer projections. Her success stems from what colleagues said is both a passion for her work and compassion for her clients. I feel I was born a social worker. She earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Hampshire College in 1977 and went to work with Children's Protective Services, now the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. It's just tough.
Emotions are high.
After three years at that agency, she returned to school and earned a master's degree in social work from Boston University. She worked as a clinical social worker at Beth Israel Hospital's neurology department and as director of social services for Harvard Community Health Plan. She also had a private psychotherapy practice. But, like so many other entrepreneurs, she felt the need to create something all her own. And, like most smart entrepreneurs, she drew up a business plan, crafted a marketing strategy and printed brochures.