Patricia Stockford

Pat’s support for WISE began a year prior to her first trip to Zambia in 2005, when she was able to accompany two close friends from Maine who founded our NGO. Her long history with WISE has been of inestimable value, especially in light of her lengthy relationships with – and understanding of – the people of Kaoma,. She has served as a longtime Board member, secretary, and currently our Treasurer.

In Maine, Florida, and now Springfield, Missouri, Pat has dedicated a large portion of her life to WISE with presentations for schools, churches, and civic groups, in addition to major fundraising efforts and co-leading team trips.

Pat wrote three children’s books about Kaoma in hopes that American children would gain understanding of the lives of Zambian children. In 2009 her daughter Heather accompanied her to Kaoma on a team trip; inspired by the WISE story and its people, she created a video.

Pat received a BA degree from Temple University, and a BS from the University of Maine, taught elementary school in Maine for 33 years, and was honored by a listing in Who’s Who Among American Teachers.

In 1998 she added puppetry to her resume. Since her retirement in 2005, she has devoted her life to her family, her church, and WISE, while also subbing in schools and presenting puppet performances. Her late husband of 44 years was very supportive of her work with WISE, and her children continue that encouragement. She currently works as a volunteer Facilitator at a Grief Center in Springfield , a Substitute teacher in the Springfield area schools, and is very active in her church and community and feels very fortunate to have her daughter and family and son nearby. Pat shares her life with her lovable dog, Hershey.

Email: [email protected]