Leanne Cara Patterson is a Santa Barbara native.  She went to Santa Barbara public schools and graduated with Ms. Meza from Santa Barbara High!  After high school, Leanne went to Wheaton College and studied Spanish and Journalism.  She then traveled to Zacatecas Mexico for two years where she helped with non-profit work and education.  She fell in love with teaching in Mexico.  When she returned, she attended Hunter College in New York City where she earned her credential and Master's in Early Childhood Education.  Leanne taught 5th grade in Harlem for two years.  Now she is glad to be back to her roots--Santa Barbara!  She is happily married to Dan Patterson, her best friend!  Leanne enjoys playing tennis and soccer, hiking in the mountains and swimming in the ocean.  Her favorite place is the outdoors.  You most likely will find her either hiking or swimming or finishing up her lesson plans at César Chávez Charter School, her second home since 2004!