After marrying and having five children, Pat enrolled in a nursing program in Michigan. When her husband, Bill, was transferred, Pat attended Cardinal Stritch and earned a degree in theology.  

Pat then entered a Healing Touch program at UWM.  After another family move, Pat continued the Healing Touch program in Florida.  In the midst of this rigorous program, Pat’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  While being a caregiver during his 10 year struggle, Pat continued a self guided exploration of eastern religions and healing practices.

After her husband’s death, Pat volunteered to provide Reiki sessions to cancer patients. That is where Pat met and eventually married Eldon Swenson.  In 2019, Pat and Eldon joined RIM, where she volunteers as a Zoom host.