Patricia Tomich is one of the newest faculty members of the 2023-2024 Regina Community. Ms. Tomich grew up near Jackson, Michigan. In the late 1990s, Ms. Tomich moved to Chicago and enrolled in the theology graduate program at Catholic Theology Union in Hyde Park. Well-educated, Ms. Tomich received her undergraduate degrees in both Social Studies and Religious Studies. She also attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and received her master’s degree in Anthropology. In Chicago, Ms. Tomich received another master’s degree in Theology.

Education is something Ms. Tomich is very familiar with. She has taught for thirty-five plus years in catholic high schools schools situated around the Michigan and Chicago areas. She also has her endorsement in Special Education and has worked with teens in small school settings.

“Would you believe, as a kid, I loved playing school. As an adult, I experience teaching as stretching my mind and heart. I love working with students and learning from them. I believe there is an “inner teacher” in every student; my work is to help them discover it. I love learning; therefore, I love to teach,” said Ms. Tomich about her motivation for becoming a teacher.

To relieve stress, Ms. Tomich enjoys gardening, which she does at home and at her church. She loves to travel, especially visiting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She truly relaxes through being surrounded by nature,  walking along the lake, and sailing. Of course, spending time with family and friends is another way Ms. Tomich decompresses and keeps grounded.

Ms. Tomich is not one to slow down and is continually on the go with the multiple projects she is working on. Although she doesn’t have pets because she is so busy, she does the occasional pet sitting for friends.

Besides watching the night skies and being in tune with nature’s beauty, Ms. Tomich is currently learning to play the ukulele, which, just like Ms. Tomich, is creative, unique, and brings out a smile in everyone she meets.