HSD Employee Spotlight – Mary Pat O’Leary

Mary Pat helped Age Friendly Seattle and other City and County employees put together 389 emergency kit backpacks last year.

Mary Pat O’Leary is a senior planner in the Aging and Disability Services Division of the Seattle Department of Human Services (ADS) division. She worked at Seattle Human Services for 28 years year.

What is your role at Seattle Human Services?

I am a Senior Planner at Aged and Disability Services, Area Agency on Aging, and have been a nurse for over 44 years.

What made you want to work in human services?

Human Services aligns with my passion and interest in helping everyone live their best life. I have dedicated my life to caring and caring for people, especially the elderly and people with disabilities.

How has your work changed in recent years?

My goodness, nursing has changed in so many ways, from electronic medical records, telehealth visits, advances in pressure ulcer treatment, to working in multidisciplinary teams. Although many nurses no longer work at the patient bedside, we still utilize our unique skillset, as do all aged and disability services and contracted nurses. A holistic focus on caring for the whole person is essential when providing support to older adults with multiple health conditions.

What do you like about your work?

I love the variety of work I get to do every day. I am fortunate to work with state partners, University of Washington faculty, housing providers, and our great community agencies. I participate in the Dementia Action Collaborative, the Geriatric Workforce Enhance Center, work with pharmacy staff on the senior drug education program, lead training and workshops for evidence-based programs, assist with onboarding new nursing staff, and lead our Community Aging in Place , Pilot Program for a Better Life for the Elderly (CAPABLE).

How do you contribute to HSD’s overarching goals regarding racial equity?

Mary Pat left, with quiltmakers Karen Messo and Jane Crum, and veteran Lori Sanford (all three now retired from HSD). The quilt commemorates Mary Pat’s father, Francis S. O’Leary, Jr., among others. Pvt, 2nd Marine Division, WWII, 1942-1944. It is on permanent display on the 51st floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower.

I ensure all my work includes a racial equity lens. Addressing racial equity is important for both the staff and the customers we serve. At a recent health promotion event, I gave a presentation to older Vietnamese and Chinese speaking adults. I used specific health examples including food choices, different types of exercise including Tai Chi, and cultural and ethnic influences, using two interpreters for the presentation.

What motivates you or keeps you going?

Building and maintaining meaningful relationships with staff within HSD and in the wider community keeps me going and motivated. After more than 28 years with the city, I still love the challenge of new projects, looking at trends and predicting future work and collaboration opportunities.

What is one piece of advice for HSD newcomers or recent graduates in your field?

Always be open to learning and stay curious! Every day brings adventures, challenges and opportunities to test your skills, knowledge and determination. As Mayou Angelou shared, people may not always remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. Everyone should leave an interaction with us feeling appreciated, supported and valued.