MEET DR. PATRICE
Dr. Patrice Sentino has spent decades honing her skills as an educator, clinician, and researcher. She is a tireless advocate for New Orleanians, especially those affected by social and environmental trauma, high-risk of juvenile delinquency, homelessness, mental illness and behavioral health.
Dr. Sentino attended Edward Livingston Middle School, Marion Abramson High School, and a graduate of Sarah Towles Reed High School (class of 1989). She holds a Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Tennessee and Master of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Technology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Sentino worked closely with New Orleans public schools to provide integrated support services to students and parents. She not only actively participated in daily Individualized Education Program meetings for special accommodations, she also trained and coached hundreds of teachers and administrators on trauma-informed care and pedagogy.
While working at the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, she saw firsthand how under-resourced children and youth became casualties of the school-to-prison pipeline. She worked closely with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Juvenile Justice Alternative Initiative and schools and courts, to reform a retributive system of punishment into a rehabilitative one.
Dr. Sentino’s professional life reflects her passion for education, as well as mental and behavioral health. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Southern University at New Orleans. As the CEO of the Center for Hope Children and Family Services and a licensed clinician, Dr. Sentino focuses on educational and behavioral outcomes for children, adolescents, and adults distressed by mental illness and emotional distress.
Throughout her career, Dr. Sentino has championed innovative ideas that support, develop and transform systems. As a researcher, she has published and lectured extensively on children’s rights, social justice, and inequalities in education. Deep understanding of her community and its educational needs, combined with her passion and commitment for its health, make her a thoughtful leader and powerful voice for community progress and educational justice.
She is also a member of the National Education Association (NEA), the American Education Research Association, Independent Women’s Organization, National Association of Social Workers, Legislative Agenda for Women, League of Women Voters and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, where she promotes gender equity in health, economic empowerment and mentorship.
