Starting in a completely different field, one high school counselor found what she was looking for: helping people.

“I was looking for something that I would truly enjoy, that would bring fulfillment. I enjoy helping others, and I love the aspect of teaching reading, so that’s kind of where I started,” counselor Patricia Pace said.

She has taught elementary school and counseled high schoolers on their way to achieving their dreams. Pace began at Roosevelt Elementary, teaching literacy and math. Prior to teaching literacy and math, she taught kindergarten, first, and second grade. When Roosevelt Elementary shut down, she moved to Giant Springs Elementary and continued to teach literacy and math.

“I always knew when I got my master’s degree that I wanted to get it in something that would allow me a different avenue than the classroom,” she said.

Pace then went to MSU Billings to continue her education and pursue her master’s degree in counseling. After earning her master’s degree, Pace came to CMR to be a counselor. With her children attending CMR and her husband teaching High School House, she said she enjoys her time here. 

“When I came to CMR my daughter was in her senior year, so it was actually really nice to be able to start here with my daughter, so that extra time I got was important,” Pace said.

She also leads Leadership High School which gives her the opportunity to work with juniors.

“Once a month I get to spend time with the juniors, and it gives me the opportunity to help,” she said.