[2] Following her graduation from the college, Paterniti furthered her studies at Curtin University, where she performed in many theatrical productions including Romeo and Juliet, Cloudstreet and The Trojan Women.

In 2009, Paterniti appeared in a recurring role as "Summer" in the Seven Network series Packed to the Rafters during its second season.

She received her first lead role in the short-lived police drama series Cops L.A.C., which starred Kate Ritchie.

[4] She decided to leave the series at end of 2013 to pursue new acting roles, and made her final screen appearance as Tamara on 21 May 2014.

She received critical acclaim for her performance as Helen in David Williamson's The Emerald City for Griffin Theatre Company in 2014.