Debra, RN, BN, BA, MPA (she/her) is a Registered Nurse, certified in mental health and trauma-informed care. She has demonstrated success in senior healthcare leadership for many years. Presently, she is the owner of Limestone City Mental Health, a wellness agency focused on workplace and community mental health education and practice.
Debra is a strong health advocate and has been recognized for her efforts with numerous distinguished awards, such as the Canada 150 Peace Maker, Citizen of the Year, Governor General Diamond Jubilee, and the Children’s Champion awards, to name a few. Her education as a Registered Nurse with Master’s Degree and advanced education in Mental Health Sciences has prepared her well in her extensive experience and leadership in education, healthy public policy, and clinical and community-based organizations that work to advance mental health, health equity, and social justice. Debra established two of the first nurse-led organizations in Canada aimed at improving resilience and health for Indigenous peoples, as well as for women and children in Africa. She has been recognized in the Senate of Canada and Parliament and has received many accolades from the Canadian Nurses Association and several other professional associations for her leadership.
Debra gives back to the community through membership on various professional and community boards including the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, United Way, Hospice Kingston, Canadian Mental Health Association, and Global Nursing. Debra is also a proud Ambassador of the Canadian Mental Health Association, “Not Myself Today”, a workplace mental health initiative. She is involved in the development of the Ontario province-wide Campus Mental Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion program. Debra lives in Kingston with her husband and she is the mother of four children.