Jo Patti Munisteri
Jo has been described as a unique individual who has lived a different life than most. She is a health practitioner in Traditional Chinese Medicine, an expert in education, a team leader, a writer, analyst and a mother of two children.
Jo completed training with the US Army Human Terrain System, and is certified as a Combat Analyst, she was chosen as a Specialist with the US Department of State, was a project coordinator for USAID, Peace Corps Response, advisor for universities and ministries of education in many parts of the world including in Siberia, Armenia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Jo was selected in 2022, as a grantee for a VETS (Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions) program with plant and animal medicines in Mexico for dealing with post trauma reactions.
Jo's personal path involves adaptation, resilience and courage. Her son, Denali Schmidt and his father Marty Schmidt ( her ex-husband) ,a former USAF PJ, were killed on K2 in Pakistan in 2013. In addition, she has lost many colleagues and team mates in conflict zones.
She is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Massey University in New Zealand and New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Wellington.
Her two non-fiction books, "Traveler Between Worlds" and "Traveling Off the X" give accounts of her work and life in a number of different countries.
Her two poetry books, "Kismet" and "CLASH-Poems from Conflict Zones" are published under her creative writing name, Jo Patti.
Jo completed training with the US Army Human Terrain System, and is certified as a Combat Analyst, she was chosen as a Specialist with the US Department of State, was a project coordinator for USAID, Peace Corps Response, advisor for universities and ministries of education in many parts of the world including in Siberia, Armenia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Jo was selected in 2022, as a grantee for a VETS (Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions) program with plant and animal medicines in Mexico for dealing with post trauma reactions.
Jo's personal path involves adaptation, resilience and courage. Her son, Denali Schmidt and his father Marty Schmidt ( her ex-husband) ,a former USAF PJ, were killed on K2 in Pakistan in 2013. In addition, she has lost many colleagues and team mates in conflict zones.
She is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Massey University in New Zealand and New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Wellington.
Her two non-fiction books, "Traveler Between Worlds" and "Traveling Off the X" give accounts of her work and life in a number of different countries.
Her two poetry books, "Kismet" and "CLASH-Poems from Conflict Zones" are published under her creative writing name, Jo Patti.
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Traveler Between Worlds
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Autobiography, Biography, Memoir
Sharing stories of winter training with the Shaolin at the Yun Tai International Martial Arts Training Center in Henan, China, Jo blends descriptions of martial discipline with personal insight. From remote Alaska to remote Australia, "Traveler Between Worlds" offers a unique glimpse into stories of courageous individuals and mysterious landscapes. Amidst the chaos of war and the aftermath of conflict, Jo reports on her work in Kurdistan after the invasion of Daesh/ISIS, projects in Israel, and her deployment on HKIA Military base in Afghanistan. These chapters provide a stark contrast to her work and travel in the peaceful countries of Malta, Nepal, New Zealand and Thailand. "This book, Traveler Between Worlds, is like a salve to soothe the human spirit, which encourages readers to look deeper into their pasts and exist in a world beyond themselves." BookTrib review. 
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Traveling Off the X
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Autobiography, Biography, Memoir
As you turn the pages of "Traveling Off the X," you'll find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of humanity and landscapes that most can only dream of visiting. From Saudi Arabia's deserts to the frozen vastness of Siberia. From the enchanting allure of New Zealand to the turbulent landscapes of Morocco. From the lush jungles of Borneo and Guatemala, to the perilous shores of Ascension Island in the South Atlantic—Jo's journeys will widen your eyes and deepen your knowledge about people, their history and terrain. She articulates her unique coping strategies for enduring the agony of significant losses, including of her son, his father, her team members, family, friends and colleagues. "Traveling Off the X" is more than just a travelogue; it's an exploration of the human spirit, resilience, and the enduring connection between people and the places they call home."
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CLASH-Poems from Conflict Zones
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Poetry
This edgy collection is not for the faint-hearted, but for those seeking profound insights into the dynamics of tension and its potential for provoking change. Explore the raw and evolutionary power of conflict through Jo Patti's poetry and her son, Denali Schmidt's stunning artwork. The audio version of this book is read by the author Jo Patti on Audible.
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Kismet
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Poetry
The urgency and depth of encounter is a recurring theme in the poems of Jo Patti. Questions about loss, love and destiny are spiraled into a mosaic she creates consisting of passages from around the planet. Some crystal clear and others enigmatic. Using various poetic forms, she expands the boundaries of time, place, relationship, thought and spirit for whomever is bold enough to venture over into the dark sides of life and to unknown destinations. 
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