Mason City native Paula Statman is a 1971 graduate of Mason City High School. After receiving her Associate in Arts degree from NIACC in 1973, Paula went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in social work. A psychotherapist and family life educator, she is the founder of the KidWISE Institute of Oakland, California, which trains parents, teachers and others who work with children. Paula is also a licensed clinical social worker. In 1995, she received the Parent’s Choice Award for her book "On the Safe Side: Teach Your Child to Be Safe, Strong and Street Smart."