Meet the Members

Patty and her husband, Terry, retired from Iowa to Chapin in 2019. Patty is a retired Dentist and Terry a packaging Engineer. They have 5 daughters and 6 grandchildren. They enjoy golfing, boating,  swimming, traveling and most of all, family! Patty is the Chapin Woman’s Club president for the 2024-2026 term.

I retired recently after a long career at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Northeast Columbia. My husband and I moved to this side of town over 7 years ago to be close to our son, daughter in law and 2 grandkids. I enjoy helping at my granddaughter's school, reading, and traveling with my husband and friends.

I am the official symbol of GFWC-Chapin Woman's Club.  I travel across the website from time to time.  If you can find me, you might win a prize.

Many in the Chapin area recognize that something is going on with CWC when they see a flamingo.  It started with the Flamingo Fling.  But I may show up anywhere. Members often inconrporate me into their clothing.

My husband Bill and I are Maryland natives who found our way to beautiful Chapin, South Carolina in 2021. After 50 wonderful years of marriage, we’ve been blessed with four amazing sons and three cherished grandchildren who fill our lives with joy. Three of our boys now call South Carolina home, while one remains in Maryland.

Though I’m semi-retired, dedicating 34 years to the same company, I still enjoy staying involved. Bill, on the other hand, is fully retired and loving it. We’re grateful every day for our journey, our growing family, and this welcoming community we now call home.

I moved to Chapin in 2022 after retiring as a school psychologist in Southern California, where I spent over 30 years in education as a teacher, counselor, psychologist, district coordinator, and adjunct professor. I hold a doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California.

Since joining CWC in 2022, I’ve enjoyed serving as CSP Chair for Health and Wellness and now as Club Secretary. While I miss my bike rides along the Pacific, I love life on Lake Murray! In addition to CWC, I’m honored  to volunteer with Lighthouse for Life and other faith-based service opportunities . In my free time, I  enjoy spending time with my husband, John, as well as participating in  BSF,  book clubs, golf, cycling, and anything on the water. I feel truly blessed to call Chapin home and to be part of such a wonderful group of women who love to serve our community.

I am the official photographer for CWC and GFWC-SC.  I lend my artistic talents to the website and all of our fundraiers.

I live with my husband Carl and our spoiled dog.  Our grown daugthers are in Columbia and Arizona.

Check out my website where I post pictrues taken for CWC and GFWC-SC.  https://www.studionoda.com/

Professional Experience

Kathleen A Vespa has dedicated more than four decades to higher education

administration. Throughout her career, she specialized in the development and

implementation of career and technical education programs focused on occupational

training. Her expertise extends to designing and managing budgets for both federal and

state initiatives, as well as overseeing federally funded grant programs. These

responsibilities included preparing monthly narrative and fiscal reports to ensure

compliance and transparency.

Ms. Vespa also played a significant role in writing and securing federal grants, resulting

in millions of dollars in funding awarded to colleges. These grants enabled institutions to

acquire essential equipment and create faculty positions, thereby enhancing the quality

and reach of educational programs.

Educational Background

 BA in English, University of Illinois

 MS in Education, Southern Illinois University

 Accepted into Ph.D. Program in Education, University of Illinois (not completed)

I'm also known as Knittin Whitten due to my love of that craft. I enjoy sharing my passion with interested members at the Coffee Shelf each Tuesday. Let me know if you are interested in joining us for good conversation and some yarn therapy.

My other passion is Mahjongg. Pam Lichty and I coordinate a group that plays each Wednesday. I also teach classes for those who want to learn this wonderful game.

I'm known as one of the club’s “thechies"" and as a result work on the tech side for most fundraisers. I have a wonderful team to help me develop and maintain this website for the club and public.

I possess a doctorate in Educational Leadership and retired from public education after serving for 32 years. I taught at all levels over the course of my career from elementary school, and finally as an adjunct professor for Masters’ programs. I was a teacher, trainer, and also an assistant principal, principal and central office personnel focusing on federal programs and grants for all the schools in the district.

I relocated from Houston, TX in 2013 to Chapin to be of help to my son and daughter-in-law with my grand girls.

I am a social butterfly who values relationships and wants to enjoy life. Initiating, creating and being in service to others in need are some of my happy places and spaces!

I hold a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's degree in psychology from CSULA. 

I have 22 years of experience in the restaurant industry and 23 years working in casinos, I also co-owned a small business for 11 years. 

After retiring in 2021, I moved from San Jose, CA to Chapin, SC. 

My hobbies include ceramics, golf, and Mah Jongg.