Patti LaPlace

Patti LaPlace is a Lecturer in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department at California State University Long Beach's College of Health and Human Services. She holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and is a Recreation Therapy Certified (RTC) professional, with over 30 years of experience in mental health.

• Education: BA in Recreation and Leisure Studies from CSULB; MPA from California State University, Dominguez Hills

Research Interests: Focus on social isolation, health disparities in aging populations, age-friendly communities, and interprofessional collaboration. Current research explores leisure's role in housing stabilization for homeless veterans and community navigation through walking programs for older adults.

Community Roles: Serves as Board Chair for Mental Health America (Los Angeles), Quality of Life Chair for Long Beach's Age-Friendly Initiative, and on the Board of Directors for Alternative 4 Vets. Participates in multidisciplinary research with American Goldstar Manor involving Kinesiology, Gerontology, Recreation Therapy, and Physical Therapy.

Teaching: Courses include Recreation 473 – Aging and Leisure.