Meet Debbie


Aurora has been my home for nearly 45 years.  

I was thrilled to begin my service on the Board of Education in 2017, but my history with Aurora Public Schools goes back for many years. 

My entire teaching career took place in Aurora, including my tenure as principal of Crawford Elementary School. But that wasn’t the first time Crawford appeared in our family story — my husband went to Crawford — and my husband’s mother went to Crawford!  All three of my daughters graduated from Gateway High School, and now, three of my grandchildren are students at Aurora Quest K-8.  Before retirement, my husband, Phil, taught in Aurora, and two of my daughters teach in Aurora now.  That’s a lot of investment in Aurora Public Schools.  No wonder it means so much to me!

Fireside service project for Aurora Warms the Night

But education is not my only passion.  Being bi-vocational, I’m also a clergywoman.  For over twenty-five years, I’ve shared ministry with Fireside Christian Church, a Home Church for Metro Denver, and I’m excited to complete my Doctor of Ministry degree in 2023!

Retirement quilt made for Phil

And in my free time?  I love to read, quilt, and travel.  I write a little now and then and play golf with my husband in the City of Aurora’s non-competitive Couples League.  I’m also a member of the Aurora Rotary Club.

I have a strong sense of social justice, believe deeply in the democratic ideal of public education, and I’m convinced that we’re all in this together.  I understand the strength of community and work for the inclusion of all.  I believe in living purposefully, saying thank you, and giving a voice to the voiceless.

I’ve been married to Phil for 46 years.  Together we have three grown children, six grandchildren, and a yorkie-schnauzer mix named Cookie.