Patty Ellis is the Co-Founder and Program Director of Taking Time. She grew up in the South Bay and graduated from Washington State University.  She has lived in Northern California, Washington, and Virginia. She traveled for work, but Southern California has always been home.  She brings her years of experience in the corporate world and owning her own business to Taking Time.

Volunteering has always played an important role in her life.  She has been involved in numerous organizations working with children and adults including; Girl Scout Leader, Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster children, Little League Co- President, School PTO Co-President, and a Hermosa Beach City Commissioner.  

Patty Ellis began her bereavement support journey, when after having lost her husband in an accident, she and her 12-year-old son attended separate grief support groups. Sharing and feeling connected to others they realized  they were not alone in their grief journey.          

When a dear friend lost her nine -year-old daughter to cancer, Patty realized that from one’s own loss comes compassionate understanding for others who are grieving. She was surprised to find she could be helpful to her friend and family, even if sometimes it was just by showing up.  She realized how powerful this ‘gift of grief’ could be for the newly bereaved and began to volunteer at co-facilitating support groups.  She was able to experience first-hand, now as a facilitator, the benefit that support groups can be to the bereaved.  Her deep felt passion for the work led her to be hired as the Program Coordinator at The Gathering Place.

Patty has attended multiple seminars and trainings on grief and is a Certified Grief Specialist. With over 10 years of experience, Patty has coordinated the day to day operations of a bereavement non-profit, as well as, facilitated support groups and provided individual support.