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MILL SPRING—Pat Dockendorf, an education coordinator at CooperRiis Healing Community in Mill Spring, celebrated her 97th birthday on Thursday and nearly two decades of dedicated service at the organization. CooperRiis offers a residential healing community and progressive transitional living program for adults struggling with mental health challenges. 

Dockendorf first learned about CooperRiis when former Executive Director Virgil Stucker visited Tryon Estates 20 years ago to introduce the program to the community. Impressed with their mission, Dockendorf showed up the next day to apply for a job. Since then, she has served the institution under various titles and has become a pivotal part of the community. 

Dockendorf’s current role involves helping residents continue their education by assisting them in obtaining their GED or providing education and career assessments. 

Beyond her work, Dockendorf is also a leader, role model, teacher, friend and lifeline to the alumni, making her a part of the fabric of CooperRiis. When asked about her favorite part of working at CooperRiis for the last two decades, Dockendorf said, “I love working with the residents and the people here, and of course, the spectacular view. It is very peaceful here. The reward for working at CooperRiis is seeing individuals move forward as they learn to accept and cope with mental health challenges.” 

Dockendorf’s birthday was celebrated with root beer floats and deli sandwiches, and the entire community came together to commemorate the occasion. Despite her age, Dockendorf still works daily as an education coordinator, serving breakfast or contacting alumni on the weekends. She enjoys sharing the alumni’s stories with her co-workers. When asked about her secret to a long life and career, she advised, “Just keep moving.” 

Founder of CooperRiis, Lisbeth Riis Cooper, described Dockendorf as a healer to the residents and a role model to the staff. Many of the staff members have expressed their desire to be like Dockendorf by emulating her kindness and dedication. 

Dockendorf’s professional resume showcases not only her experience but also her desire to help. She has served as an instructor at Texas Woman’s University, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska, a professor at the Community College of Baltimore, a social worker at the Baltimore Department of Public Welfare, and a coordinator of education at Sheppard Pratt Hospital. Dockendorf is also a competitive swimmer with numerous medals, currently training for the Senior Games. 

Dockendorf’s dedication to CooperRiis and her work has made her an indispensable part of the community and an inspiration to all who have worked with her.