Patsy’s Team

Joe M Hernandez, M.F.A. | Founder, Co-Executive Director

Joe M Hernandez, the inspired Founder and C0-Executive Director of The Patsy Project, is a testament to the profound influence of his mother, Patsy Jo, whose life of sacrifice and dedication as a single mother paved the way for his remarkable journey. Joe’s upbringing under Patsy Jo’s care instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and compassion, which later became the cornerstone of his professional and personal achievements.

Having witnessed the challenges and triumphs of his mother’s life, Joe was driven to create The Patsy Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting single mothers striving to provide stable and nurturing environments for their families. Each aspect of the project reflects the resilience and unconditional love Joe experienced growing up, making each success a tribute to Patsy Jo’s enduring legacy.

Joe’s career as an entrepreneur and media professional, leading his own company, jmh MEDIA, further showcases his commitment to accessible storytelling and community support. His academic background, with degrees in Theatre Performance and Directing, has equipped him with the skills to craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with diverse audiences, much like the stories his mother shared with him.

Through The Patsy Project, Joe not only honors his mother's memory but also extends her legacy of nurturing and empowerment to countless other single mothers and their children. The memories of Patsy Jo live on, timelessly inspiring Joe and the work of The Patsy Project, ensuring that her influence is felt far and wide by those who receive support from the organization. Joe’s life and efforts exemplify the powerful impact of one woman’s love and the lasting change it can create, echoing Patsy Jo’s dedication in every life touched by The Patsy Project.

Kristina Jo Hernandez Thompson | Founder, Co-Executive Director

Kristina Jo, known affectionately as Tina and lovingly called by her mother as Tina Jo, embodies the spirit and resilience taught by her mother, Patsy Jo. Raised by a single mother, Tina witnessed the profound dedication and sacrifices Patsy made to ensure her children thrived. This deep familial bond and the lessons of perseverance and love instilled by her mother inspired Tina to join her brother, Joe, in founding The Patsy Project. Through this nonprofit, Tina is committed to supporting single mothers, helping them build stable and loving environments for their families, much like the one Patsy Jo created for her children.

With a career spanning nearly 15 years in the medical field, Tina has served as a registered nurse and a former surgical technician in both the Operating Room and Labor and Delivery. Her invaluable experience on the front lines during the challenging COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 further solidified her dedication to caring for others under even the most stressful conditions. Tina's commitment extends beyond professional boundaries into her personal life, where she mirrors the role her mother once held, now as a single mother to three children.

Tina’s life and career are testaments to her hard work, compassion, and unyielding commitment to family values. Every step she takes is fostered by the love and memories of her mother, Patsy Jo, whose legacy continues to inspire and impact the lives of all who are supported by The Patsy Project. As Tina passes on these values to her own children and the community she serves, she honors the strength and sacrifice of her mother, ensuring that Patsy Jo’s spirit of nurturing and empowerment is felt by each new generation.