Patricia grew up in the CHamoru diaspora of the Pacific Northwest. She is the daughter of David Baza Pocaigue and Josefina Kaminga Rios, who were both born and raised on the United States territory of Guam. She is a sister, auntie, wife, mom, and bonus mom. Three of her children live in New York and the other three live in Poulsbo. Her husband is a middle school Social Studies teacher and basketball coach. She has been learning her native language with her oldest son for two years. She loves to garden, walk, host dinner parties, write poetry and play word games.  

Patricia works in public education and has for over 30 years. She has been a teacher, administrator and is now working to support schools in creating systems of educational equity through coaching and professional learning. She is employed at the Olympic Educational Service District #114 as the Director of Learning Support.  She holds a Bachelors of Education degree from Central Washington University in Special and Elementary Education and a School Administrator Master’s degree from Seattle Pacific University.  

She is thrilled to be a VOPIN Board member and support Pacific Island families in our region. She strives to uphold the CHamoru Inifresi and believes Anggen ti hita, pues hayi?  (If not us, then who?).