A Jolly Start to Early Education

For more than twenty years, Patricia "PJ" Jolly has been a steady, compassionate force in Early Childhood Special Education at Northwest Regional ESD, helping Oregon’s youngest learners build the foundation they need to thrive. Her path to this work is anything but ordinary, and every chapter of her life shows up in the way she teaches, leads, and advocates.

Originally from Pennsylvania, she completed her undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at UC Santa Barbara before earning her Master’s in Education at Portland State University with a Multiple Subjects credential, and added endorsement in Special Education, ages birth to third grade.

Before entering the field of Education, she worked at Nike, coordinating international shoe orders, including the unforgettable task of securing a size 15 for Shaquille O’Neal. That experience, along with her academic background and deep cultural values, now lives in her classroom. She brings creativity, adaptability, and a global perspective to her work with 3–5 year olds who have disabilities, helping them prepare for kindergarten through individualized support and strong family partnerships.

She has also worked with early learners at Early Head Start before joining the ESD, but has stayed providing services through the ESD because of the critical role early learning plays in serving children with disabilities regardless of income, and their families. Whether working with doctors, families, or community partners, she ensures every child receives the support they deserve to build their educational foundation.

A Leader in Union Advocacy

Her union journey began in earnest in 2010 while working in Columbia County. As someone who deeply values community and belonging, she wanted to understand how the union worked and how she could contribute. Her first NEA Representative Assembly in New Orleans opened her eyes to the power and importance of collective voice.

From there, she stepped into leadership roles within her local, and served six years on the NEA Resolutions Committee, helping craft belief statements that help shape national policy especially around Early Education. She has been a consistent advocate for ensuring early childhood educators are represented, respected, and resourced.

Her work with HCRC reflects her commitment to human and civil rights. She, with the help of the committee, helped build and implement OEA’s first diversity track at the Summer Leadership Conference. Her involvement with committees supported regional members, and encouraged OEA to stay accountable to equity goals. She also received training through NEA on increasing members of color involvement, strengthening representation across the organization. PJ was also recognized by colleagues as recipient of the Ed Elliot Human and Civil Rights award in 2022.

What She Hopes to Build Next

Looking forward, she wants to continue strengthening the community within OEA, across regions, and between educators and the students they serve. Her vision is simple and powerful: everyone should feel supported, connected, and empowered to use their voice.

Her Legacy

She hopes her colleagues remember her as someone who modeled the value of union membership and active involvement. She wants educators to know they have a right to understand how decisions are made, how dues are spent, and how their voices shape both OEA and NEA. Her message is clear: engagement matters, and enthusiasm for the work makes the union stronger through building connections and relationships.

Life Beyond the Classroom

Outside of her professional world, she is a mother of two and caretaker of two beloved tuxedo cats. She builds dollhouses and miniature furniture in her free time, and she’s an avid reader currently participating in the PSU Alumni Association Book Club. She recently finished Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon, and is diving into How to Read a Book, by Monica Wood next.