A Massachusetts native, Debra earned her BA degree from Connecticut College, her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University, and her PhD in Clinical Social Work from New York University. Since 1985, her successful and ongoing career in psychotherapy has enabled her to help people in a variety of capacities, from private work with individuals to spearheading the adoption of special needs children as founder of The Adoption Family Center and Program Director at Queens Children's Guidance Center.

Realizing that real estate held her heart as much as helping people, Debra transitioned into the field while still maintaining her part-time private practice. A Brooklyn resident for many years, she previously lived in Cobble Hill before moving to Park Slope and into a brownstone she renovated, where she lives with her husband, two children and two dogs. Debra adores life in her beautiful community, in which she is very active. Still highly involved in her children's local schools, she is a former PTA president and AYSO soccer coach. Debra is also an avid tennis player who can often be found in combat at the park's tennis center.