Dr. Brittany Patterson is a Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). She has served schools for more than a decade in various capacities and has specialized in school-based mental health services in underserved schools and communities since joining the UMSOM faculty in 2016. In her current role, Dr. Patterson provides training and technical assistance to diverse school stakeholders on the impact of trauma and strategies to create safe, healing environments for students.
She is particularly passionate about identifying and building upon the strengths of youth and their communities to promote positive mental health and well-being. In fact, “The Fight” was inspired by five years of serving a Title I school in Baltimore City where she was consistently impressed by the gifts and talents of our “fighters” – students often in trouble for difficulties related to behavioral or emotional distress. She found that invested adults, dedicated time, and ample skill building opportunities made a significant difference for the “fighters” and enabled many to not only survive but thrive!
Beyond her professional dedication to schools, Dr. Patterson is a proud daughter, sister, wife, and mommy! Her hobbies include spending time with her family over arts and crafts, food, outdoor sports, and reading. Ultimately, Dr. Patterson has one hope for all students, including her own children —
You deserve safe spaces to learn and grow,
full of opportunities to share what you know,
and elevation of your talents for obstacles foreseen,
ensuring accomplishment of every goal and unseen dream.
–Dr. Brittany Patterson (2020)
