With over twenty years of experience in education, mental health, policy, and social services, Debra has dedicated her career to advocating and supporting children, youth, and their families. Since returning to Miami-Dade County in 2005, Debra has worked to give a voice to the most vulnerable in our community, namely children, youth, and families experiencing trauma such as the loss of a loved one and homelessness. Within the Miami-Dade County Public School system, Debra broadened the scope of services through Project UP-START, the Homeless Education Program. And within the community, Debra helped to create and lead the Miami-Dade County Youth Homeless Initiative, the HOMY Collective (Helping Our Miami-Dade Youth), as well as founded and co-chaired the Youth Homeless Working Group through Miami-Dade County’s Homeless Trust.

In August 2021, Debra began the role of CEO at the Children’s Bereavement Center in an effort to ensure that no one in the community grieves alone after the death of a loved one. Through her leadership, CBC and the Lift From Loss adult programming has expanded its reach throughout South Florida and nationally through programming and training. Additionally, Debra has presented at state and national conferences to discuss how to best support grief and loss as well as the intersection between childhood loss and homelessness during childhood. Her work continues to support all children and families experiencing difficult times along with so many partners at the local, state, and national level. Debra’s longstanding belief is that through collaboration with partners near and far, together we are able to provide resources and services to all in need and make a positive and lasting impact in our communities both large and small.