Patti KohlerPeschke

After 20 years of navigating the ups and downs of life together. Standing side by side with my husband, a retired firefighter and paramedic, always reminds me of life’s unpredictability and the profound bond that emerges from both chaos and calm. The gentle ticking away of time and the arrival of our beautiful children, our lives shifted and redefined our aspirations. The joyous arrival of four kids, including our delightful twins, filled our home to the brim. Three high-energy boys and one spirited girl bursting with personality would soon fill every moment of our lives with chatter, laughter, and the occasional bout of chaos. As we unpacked our lives as a family, it became clear that my role would morph. The space was too small for both an adrenaline-fueled career and a family in full swing. With a lump in my throat, I stepped back from EMT life and worked full-time as an office manager at a dental practice. Though I opted for school hours filled with muffins, bake sales, and refereeing stilts made of couch cushions, that fiery spirit still dances within me, often seen through our two dogs, who I affectionately consider my surrogate therapy team. Their wagging tails and comforting presence make me dream of the day when I can add a certified therapy dog to our ranks. Just envision the warmth and joy they would bring, becoming anchors of emotional support for our kids as they navigate the rollercoaster of adolescence.