Patti and her Dragon Friends at school - 2008
MEET PATTI...
Patti Graham is a hometown girl from the tiny city of Belleville, Michigan. She is the oldest daughter of Bob and Betty Tontalo, and has three beautiful sisters, twins Sandy and Sherry, and Beckie. A 1971 graduate of Belleville High School, she entered the business world the day after graduation as a secretary, and spent over a dozen years assisting others in fields as diverse as a university’s married housing department, the business education department, a computer data center, a management consulting firm, an advertising company, and a television commercial production company. Nothing seemed to fit until at last in 1982 she had a flash of insight while driving home one day…she wanted to become a teacher. It seemed she had finally found her path.
San Francisco, CA - 2004
PATTI'S EDUCATION...
Patti entered Eastern Michigan University’s education program as an “older” student, and earned a 4.0, putting herself through the five years by working three jobs and driving 120 miles per day back and forth to school. In 1987, she graduated with honors and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, focusing on reading, science, and fine arts. Patti returned to EMU and enhanced her skills as a reading specialist, and received her Master’s degree in 1993.
Chitzen' Itza', Mexico - 2003
PATTI'S TEACHING...
Patti did her student teaching in Ypsilanti, Grosse Pointe, and Dearborn. Her first teaching job came in 1987 in the Clarenceville District, where she was the media center teacher for two elementary schools. The following year she was hired by the Walled Lake District where she taught 4th grade for 15 years, and then moved to middle school in 2002.
Khan (Siberian Tiger) - 2005
PATTI'S HONORS...
Throughout her educational career, Patti has received recognition for her work. She was selected as Teacher of the Year in 1990, 1993, and 2001 in three different elementary schools in which she worked. She also received a Golden Apple Award in 1992. She and some of her students have won awards for writing, including the B’nai Brith Diversity Award in 2007.
Tony sharing a 17th Century canonball he discovered while scubadiving in the Florida Keys. - 1991
PATTI & TONY...
Patti and Tony Sevakis began a joyful life together in 1982. Tony introduced Patti to his world of the ocean, boating, and friends. They eloped in 1989 in the Bahamas, and enjoyed going there many times to soak up the beauty of the turquoise waters, hold starfish in their hands and explore the mysterious underwater world of dolphins, whales, and sunken treasure. They traveled to Greece and loved the islands, especially Santorini where they believed Atlantis truly existed. They loved their country home in Milford, Michigan, and shared it with their dogs and cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, and “pet” deer. On February 2, 2001, Tony’s life tragically ended following leg surgery. He had saved the lives of others as a lifeguard, supported our country during the Viet Nam war in the United States Navy on a nuclear submarine, and touched the lives of many friends and family. Tony was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Patti’s book dedication is a tribute to their 20 years together and her acknowledgement of his unconditional love.
Patti & Dennis - 2004
PATTI & DENNIS...
Patti found happiness once again when she married Dennis Graham in 2004. Dennis shares her passion for education, for traveling the world, and for trying to make a difference in the lives of others. Together, through their professions as principal and teacher, they understand and support one another, while being true soul mates and best friends. They love traveling to Mexico where they enjoy the people, climate, food, and the ocean. They are also amazed by the desert, especially the magical Sedona red rock area, and the lands of the Native Americans. After retiring, Patti and Dennis would like to work in underprivileged areas throughout the United States and Mexico helping children and teachers.
St. Lucia - 1996
ANOTHER CREATIVE SIDE OF PATTI...
Patti is a painter of enchanted rocks and selects only the flat, rounded, smooth black rocks of Lake Superior (especially the ones with magic holes in them). She also paints birdhouses, creates holiday jewelry, and designs special cards for her friends.
Greece - 1999
PATTI'S LOVES and FAVORITE ACTIVITIES...
Animals, reading, traveling, eating out, movies, nature, photography, and music (she can't live without Sting),
sleeping in late on Saturdays, sitting on her porch during thunderstorms, holding any kind of baby animal, having an entire day with nothing to do, shopping, and watching dumb, old, scary movies. She also can't live without the sun, ocean, deserts, forests, and all things warm and natural. Something else she loves... dragonflies. If you've read the book, did you notice where they were on each page - even the hidden ones?
THINGS PATTI LOVES TO DISCOVER...
Dinosaurs, cave art, mummies, ancient mysteries, pyramids and castles, wonders about the universe, and finding treasure in unexpected places.
FOOD FAVORITES...
Anything with tomato sauce or cheese, potato chips and dip, smoothies, chocolate and caramel, salad, seafood crepes, corn-on-the-cob, BBQ ribs and home fries, and definitely cheese - can't forget the cheese! Did we mention CHEESE?
Mexico - 2006
PATTI'S FAVORITE TUNES...
Sting, Rod Stewart, Manneheim Steamroller, Steel Drums, Motown
PATTI'S INSPIRATIONS...
Dr. Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Native American wisdom, SARK
