Dr. Patrice Winkel is the author of My Lifeguard Walks on Water, her first book and an intimate reflection on faith, survival, family, and the experiences that shaped her life.

Patrice holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Northern Iowa. Her career in education spans 45 years, including teaching in the Harlem Schools in Rockford, Illinois, and the Linn-Mar Schools in the Marion–Cedar Rapids area of Iowa. Her dedication to education remained so deeply ingrained that even while suffering a traumatic brain injury, one of her concerns was making sure her classroom had a substitute teacher.

She lives in Marion, Iowa, with her husband, John. Together they have four grown children and six grandchildren. Family is central to Patrice’s life and to the story she tells throughout her memoir.

Beyond teaching and writing, Patrice has a deep love of music and has sung with groups including the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale and, at times, Orchestra Iowa. She is also involved in interior-design projects within her church and community and has a lifelong affection for animals.

Through every role she has held, faith remains at the center of Patrice’s life. Her writing reflects the same belief that has carried her through decades of unexpected challenges: even when the outcome remains unknown, the story is not necessarily over.