Debbie has a degree in instrumental music education from Western Maryland College and a Master’s of Liberal Arts from that same school (now McDaniel College), and has been involved in music since she was in elementary school. She was active in music at churches as a child, including singing in the choir since age 8 at Essex United Methodist Church (Baltimore County) and then Union Chapel United Methodist (Harford County) through high school. She also filled in as substitute organist during her high school years at Union Chapel. She plays clarinet, piano, organ and guitar and has served as organist and choir director at several churches over the years. She was the regular organist and choir director at Ebenezer United Methodist Church for 4 years from 1990-1994. She has been a music teacher at Sykesville Middle School since the 1990’s and has continued to serve as the substitute organist and choir director at Ebenezer whenever needed.