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Patti LaPlace, New OLLI Director

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is pleased to announce that Patti LaPlace, MPA, RTC, has been appointed the new Executive Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) effective August 17, 2022. Patti is currently a lecturer for the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.

“My hope with OLLI is that we continue to regroup and rebuild after the pandemic and focusing on serving the different demographics of older adults we have, and also bringing more diversity to OLLI.”

“Professor Patti” as she is known by her Recreation and Leisure Study students, received her bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy from California State University, Long Beach and a master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

With over 30 years of experience in the mental health field, Patti has been recognized for her work from the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, California Park and Recreation Society, Recreation Therapy Section, Mental Health America, Long Beach Police Department, and VA Long Beach Healthcare System. Much of that time she spent working with homeless vets.

“I’ve always been interested in working with older adults,” LaPlace says. “It really taught me more sensitivity and understanding about the culture of homelessness and I really enjoyed those opportunities – I’m very proud of my work for the City of Long Beach as their Mental Health Coordinator.”  

LaPlace says her work for the City of Long Beach has prepared her for what’s next at OLLI.

“My hope is to continue to outreach to various ɫ��ɫ and City of Long Beach partners to establish strong collaborations and opportunities for OLLI as well as visibility on campus and in the community.”