Debbie grew up in the church. At the age of 10, due to a relocation, her family changed denominations and she was baptized into the United Methodist church, a church that focuses on service to others and has good female administrative representation. This was the first time she really thought about the meaning and mystery behind religion. Her interest in faith was accompanied by greater and greater commitment to it and by the time she entered college, she determined that she would major in World Religions at North Central College in Naperville IL.  There she completed a second major in psychology and a minor in music. She later earned a degree in Information Technology.

Since then, God has drawn her closer by urging her to read Practicing the Presence by Joel S Goldsmith. Some of the theology found therein, along with the thought of other theologians, has been layered on top of her traditional upbringing, giving Debbie an appreciation for a variety of faiths and introducing her to the God consciousness available through meditation and ceaseless prayer.