A lifelong advocate for disability rights and inclusion, Mary Patton joined Discovery Living in July of 2022 as a community living coordinator. Prior to joining Discovery Living their previous experiences include: career team member of the University of Iowa REACH Program, employment specialist and program coordinator with The Arc of Southeast Iowa, para-educator in the Iowa City Schools (City High), DSP specializing in supporting non-verbal persons with maladaptive behaviors with Systems Unlimited of Iowa City, and most distantly 8 years art therapy experience with Esperanza Community Services of Chicago, IL and as a graduate student of the University of Iowa.  

Mary is excited to be part of the Discovery Living community and is looking forward to making lasting connections with those we serve. They are passionate about local, state, and federal policy and eager to continue furthering the cause of disability rights.  

Mary’s degrees include a Master of Arts from the University of Iowa (2015) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in art therapy from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago.