With a reputation for ‘growing leaders’, she has demonstrably built the capacity of principals, school leaders and teachers across Australian and New Zealand education sectors over three decades, helping them to improve the learning and wellbeing outcomes of their students while also keeping the wellbeing of the teaching and non-teaching staff who serve them at the heart of their decision making. With an ability to inspire excellence, and industry awards for her commitment to equity and inclusion, the teams she has led have consistently achieved results above expectations as well as articulating joy in their work.

Debbie’s advocacy for strengths-based, solutions-focused coaching has been a constant of her career since she first experienced the power of growth coaching in 2002 as foundation principal of a brand new, politically significant school. Her educational leadership experience includes eight years in NSW senior executive as director of three principal networks, and the roles of school leadership officer, principal for 14 years, executive and teacher K-12. She has received Life Membership for her work with Women In Educational Leadership, a Regional Director’s Award for Leading and Managing the School and the Uncle Richard Archibald Award for Commitment to Aboriginal Education.

Debbie’s engaging interpersonal style, integrity, deep listening and a wonderful ability to inspire growth, change, courage and confidence makes her a trusted, sought-after coach, presenter and facilitator of adult learning. Her unconditionally positive regard for her clients and contemporary understanding of the ‘busy-ness’ of schools further assures her credibility and the trust they place in her.