Having been born in Aspen, Colorado, it’s not hard to understand why Pat Spitzmiller has been skiing since the age of 3. She has also enjoyed hiking and horseback riding most of her life. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, and she did her post-graduate studies at Tufts University and Boston University in Early Childhood Education.

After getting married in 1969, Pat and her husband resided both in Denver and in  Massachusetts over the years. She started her career working in Early Childhood Intervention, at both the Children’s Hospital in Denver and in Boston. She loved working with 0-5 year old children and their parents. She eventually made a career change in 1982 and received her degree in Occupational Therapy. Her specialty was working with adults suffering from traumatic head injuries. Pat has always loved working for and assisting others in health services. This is certainly why she does extensive volunteer work at the new St. Anthony’s Hospital in Frisco.

 During the time Pat and her husband lived in Denver, between 1969 and 1975, they bought a condo in Summit County. This served as their “playground” home for many years, even after they moved back to Massachusetts. Once her husband passed away in 1990, Pat began spending 8-10 months a year in Dillon. Finally, in 1994, she moved permanently to Summit County, and in 1995, purchased her home here. Pat now enjoys all the numerous outdoor activities that Summit County has to offer as well as volunteering in various organizations. She also spends as much time as she can with friends.

 Traveling is also an important part of Pat’s life. She recently traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia, and loves to study and experience different cultures. In the past, she lived in France for a year simply in order to learn the language. Foreign films are a favorite pastime.

 Being involved in Summit County for so many years, Pat knew the importance of having radio stations available to residents here. In the 80’s and early 90’s, she used to string up a wire concoction from her radio to her ceiling in the hope of receiving classical music. She and her husband could only get clear reception for country and western music. When Pat learned about SPR, she immediately became very eager to participate as a board member and to be a part of this organization’s growth. Her goal is for more Summit County residents to receive clearer reception on a greater variety of stations. Since she joined the board of SPR, Pat has been membership chairman and now, she is co-chairman of the SPR annual picnic.