Dr. Patty Gross, DHS, MDiv, MS
Owner/Certified Professional and Executive Coach
Who I am
I have always felt different. Born in the 1950s, my talents and intellect often aligned more with male traits. I preferred science and math over English and home economics. In 4-H, I chose ranch animals over cooking and sewing. Growing up on a Wyoming ranch with four sisters and no brothers, I helped with ranch work. I felt I had traditional male traits without male privilege. As a result, I have considerable empathy for the transgender and non-binary communities.
Bio:
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Baylor University. After dedicating 30 years to the IT industry, I made a significant career shift into ministry. At the age of 50, I earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, intending to become a missionary. However, I transitioned to pulpit ministry due to cutbacks in missionary deployments during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Realizing my true calling was elsewhere, I pivoted to chaplaincy. I completed a Chaplain Residency at Christiana Care Health Services in Wilmington, Delaware, and subsequently served as a hospice chaplain for several years.
My journey continued as I worked at a non-profit organization as a case manager while pursuing a second Master’s degree, an MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University, which I obtained at the age of 60. In 2018, I embarked on a Doctorate in Human Services at Capella University, completing it in 2023, just five days before my 68th birthday. Due to family commitments, I have paused my postdoctoral job search and am now focusing on certification as a professional life coach. I have received a Professional and Executive Coach certification from the CaPP Institute and am working towards ICF Certification, which I anticipate completing by the end of 2025.
My professional life includes 20 years in management, with seven years as a vice president of research and development at a multi-billion dollar software company. I have successfully navigated several career transitions, from software company executive to ministry, pulpit ministry to chaplaincy, and non-profit casework/management. My doctoral project involved a program evaluation for a non-profit agency to assess their compliance with grant requirements. Additionally, I have served on the board of directors of a non-profit singing organization, contributing to fundraising, event planning, and member retention. My diverse life experiences uniquely qualify me to coach individuals and organizations through various challenges and help them achieve their goals.
