Debra brings a wide range of experience to the team. She has a background as a Clinical Pharmacist in hospital and community, including advisory and supervision roles. More recently, Debra has been involved in a range of roles in the community, including governance, strategy, consultation and engagement and social impact initiatives.

Debra has experience as a community leader and Tāngata Tiriti representative for Playcentre Aotearoa which utilised a two-house model of governance (Raukawa-Mihinare model). This democratic framework enables Tāngata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti to make decisions in partnership. These experiences bring an appreciation and commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tino rangatiratanga as a Pākehā New Zealander.

As a Restorative Practices Facilitator Debra has worked with a wide range of workplaces, schools and community groups to form and strengthen relationships in their teams, and when needed, facilitate a process to repair the harm to relationships when conflict occurs. This includes the design and delivery of learning opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement and professional development. Debra facilitated focus and advisory groups to drive the vision towards a Restorative City; a community where people thrive through healthy relationships.

In 2019, Debra was appointed to the Combined Statutory Advisory Committee to the then Whanganui District Health Board.

Her current board roles include Hospice Whanganui and St George’s School which includes a collaborative role on the College board Risk Committee for Whanganui Collegiate School and St George’s School.