Debra is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who received a post-doctorate psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She has over 20 years’ experience as a professor of nursing. She taught and was the chairperson for undergraduate psychiatric nursing courses. She has a doctoral degree in Health Education from Teacher’s College at Columbia University. Her doctoral dissertation was on the effect of adverse childhood experiences on adult health. She completed a master’s degree as a clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric mental health nursing from Pace University and an undergraduate degree in nursing from Adelphi University. Debra also has a certificate as a somatic experience practitioner and hypnotherapist. 

She approaches her work from a holistic perspective and often finds mental and physical health problems are associated with traumatic experiences. She considers herself a lifelong learner and is passionate about working with people to improve their mental and physical health. 

Outside of work, Debra is the mother of three grown children who she is immensely proud of. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising and traveling to Australia to visit her daughter.