Robert Patterson first arrived at Ironwood in the fall of 2006 from Bangor's Acadia Hospital, a psychiatric and rehab facility where he still works in the adult units. He has experience in both mental health and behavioral disorders as well as knowledge in the treatment of substance abuse. He has also worked within the community as a caseworker with Community Health and Counselling. Prior employs have been with OHI as a specialist in mental retardation and autism with non-verbal adults, and 10 years in the corporate division of a non-profit organization working with Job Corps and the Federally funded Summer Youth Employment and Training Program, all for disadvantaged youth.

While returning to the University of Maine in 1998 for a new degree in Mental Health and Human Services, Robert designed and volunteered for two years, creating and operating a stop-gap meals program for elderly shut-ins, filling a void when Meals-on-Wheels were unavailable. Another degree in Environmental Engineering helped in his former position as Chairperson for Bucksport's Conservation Committee. Robert is also an outspoken tree advocate. He is a life long resident of Bucksport and lives there still with his wife, Kathy.