Dr. Debra is a Trauma Recovery Specialist, Pastoral Psychotherapist, and Leadership Strategist who has dedicated more than four decades to helping individuals, families, and communities move from surviving to thriving. She specializes in helping people heal from the lasting effects of trauma, including childhood abuse, domestic violence, grief, human trafficking, spiritual wounds, and other life-changing experiences.

Known for her compassionate, practical, and faith-sensitive approach, Dr. Debra creates a safe, supportive environment where people can process their experiences, rebuild resilience, and rediscover hope. Her work blends evidence-informed trauma recovery practices with emotional wellness, personal growth, and, for those who desire it, biblical principles that support lasting transformation.

As the founder of Healing Lives Fellowship, Inc., Dr. Debra also equips nonprofit and faith-based leaders to build healthy, sustainable organizations that serve their communities with excellence. Whether she is working one-on-one with a client, leading a workshop, speaking at a conference, or coaching organizational leaders, her mission remains the same:

To help people heal, help leaders grow, and help organizations build lasting impact.

She is the author of “Getting Free & Staying Free” and “Ten Principles to Heal Emotional Wounds.” Her latest book project is “Three Nights in Captivity:

“Healing is a process. Freedom is a journey.”