Being born and raised in northern Wells County, Indiana, Debi is a proud Hoosier. Debi came to Marion nearly 35 years ago to study art at Indiana Wesleyan University, then Marion College, where she received her BS in art education. A few years later she received her Masters at Ball State University.

She has taught art for Marion Community Schools for 24 years. In that time she has taught elementary and middle-school as well as high school. She is currently in her 15th year at Marion High School where her favorite subjects are fine art photography, drawing, and painting. She is always looking for fresh perspectives in art regardless of the medium and feels that if you can just help a student find their creative niche and how to handle a few materials they have a means of creative expression for life. To quote Picasso: “All children are born artists; the problem comes in helping them stay that way.” Debi believes that is the task of the teacher to inspire and help develop courage and confidence to try new things.

Debi is also an adjunct professor at Indiana Wesleyan University in the art education program and a part-time barista at Starbucks.

When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband Scott. They love to travel and do photography together. They have two daughters, a grandson expecting another, and two spoiled cats that pretty much keep them busy.