Biography

Debra grew up in Wisconsin and lived more than 20 years in England and Australia before moving back to the US. She holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Australia.

Debra received a BA in Anthropology from Adelaide University, a BA in Design from the University of South Australia, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Improvement and Effectiveness from Keele University in England. A rewarding academic career followed: she was a full-time design faculty member at Southampton Solent University in England and a faculty member and Program Coordinator at Chester University in England and Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia. 

After moving home, Debra spent a decade wearing multiple hats as a manager, administrator, and designer for a postpartum and labor support doula service in Chicago.  
Art has always been a part of Debra’s life. She and her husband Martin hit the juried art show trail every summer with their business Deb and Martin Art. One of the most incredible and transformative experiences in my life: being a key member of a small team that created ArtStart, a non-profit community arts center in northern Wisconsin. In a grand experiment Debra, Martin, her sister, her mom and Dottie the dog decided to buy a home together: a 100-year-old Masonic Temple in a small town. So far it’s working out great!

Education

B.A. in Anthropology from Adelaide University

B.A. in Design from the University of South Australia

M.A. in Educational Improvement and Effectiveness from Keele University in England