She obtained her diploma in nursing in 1987 from Niagara College and BScN / PCNP certificate from the University of Ottawa in 1997 (Summa Cum Laude).
In 2012, she assumed the position as Commander of 1 Health Services Group and was responsible for the provision of healthcare to CAF personnel in the west and north of Canada.
Patterson has had the privilege of serving with the CAF on overseas missions and has deployed as a member of Op SCALPEL with 1 Canadian Field Hospital during the Persian Gulf Conflict in 1991 (Saudi Arabia), Op DELIVERANCE in support of the Canadian Airborne Regiment in 1993 (Somalia), and Op ATTENTION with the NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan (Kabul) 2011-2012, where she was responsible for leading a multinational team tasked to assist the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police to re-establish their medical education and training system.
In February 2014, she was recognized for her work in Afghanistan and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada and was recently inducted as an Officer in the Order of Military Merit in 2018.
In 2021, Patterson was inducted as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society for her contributions to aid seniors in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and to help women overcome barriers.