Debra started as the Program Director in April 2021. A Barnesville high school graduate, she is familiar with many of the names and faces of the people in her new role. Debra graduated from North Dakota State University with a Master of Science in Gerontology (the study of aging). Her intention was to learn how to age well. Since graduating she has held various positions in the field, including working with a Senior Community Service Employment Program for many years helping low-income seniors find jobs. She worked in this role first as a Coordinator and then as the State Program Manager where she managed federal and state grants. Most recently, she helped with the Valley edition of Senior Perspectives where she was able to tell stories about amazing seniors and their adventures and write about purposeful aging.
Debra passion is to write and speak about purposeful aging, mindfulness and living well at home which is why this position fit right into her life goals. As part of her position at Barnesville Area HELPERS, she helps promote the program in social media and the website, writes and manages the grants that fund the program, resource development and plans special events and classes.
Debra has been married for almost 40 years to a Pelican Rapids native and lives in the country near Erhard. They have two amazing children and are blessed with two wonderful grandchildren. Debra loves camping and country life raising chickens, corgis and has a huge garden filled with her grandmothers’ raspberries.