Small Brave Moves

Patricia Kearns is a mission-driven healthcare leader with a passion for people, purpose, and building environments where others can thrive. She began her career as a physical therapist, but it didn’t take long for her path to evolve into executive leadership at QLI, where she eventually became President & CEO.

During her tenure, Patricia led significant growth—modernizing clinical programs, expanding campus and technology, and helping position QLI as a national leader in brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. After stepping down as CEO in 2024, she continued supporting the organization as a consultant before stepping into her next purpose-driven role: Vice President of Construction at Immanuel, a faith-based nonprofit providing retirement living and healthcare for seniors in the Midwest.

Beyond her professional work, Patricia is mentoring student athletes, tutoring English learners, and, most proudly, cheering on her daughter from the sidelines.