Biography

Anastasia Patterson joined UCF RESTORES in August 2022 as the Behavioral Health Navigator. Originally from the UK, she earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Portsmouth, and her M.Sc. in Children and Young people in Mental Health from the University of Edinburgh, with research focusing on the prevention of online child sexual abuse. Prior to joining UCF RESTORES, Anastasia gained experience in a psychiatric hospital, assessing patients under both involuntary and voluntary admission for mental health and substance abuse, and worked closely with local law enforcement. Having created this relationship, she helped teach crisis intervention team training for officers and deputies about the “Baker Act” and, in doing so, has gained a deeper understanding of what law enforcement may experience and witness on a day-to-day basis. Anastasia has a passion for travelling and volunteering and has previously volunteered with the National Institute of Mental Health in Sri Lanka. One of her biggest achievements has been climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, raising $3000 for charity. She is excited to support and help create awareness surrounding the need for more behavioral health services for first responders and their families.