Debra has been an advocate for families, especially those who have children with developmental delays, for over 25 years and still sits on the board of Families for Early Autism Treatment of BC. Beginning as a teenage volunteer for the SPCA, she has had the privilege of giving back to her community though philanthropy and as a lifelong volunteer.

Through her advocacy with organizations such as FEAT and The Autism Society of BC, Debra was instrumental in the creation of a support worker program for children with severe developmental delays in the Surrey School District. She also served as the Parent Advisory Council Secretary for Semiahmoo Secondary, manager of her boys’ hockey teams (“hockey mom”) and as a Fundraiser for the Semiahmoo Music Society, supporting the outstanding school music program. In 2008, Debra was invited to participate on the Steering Committee of what is now the Pacific Autism Family Network.