Debi was born and raised in the coastal region of Washington State.  In 1989 she had the good fortune of meeting master carver, Duane Pasco.  Through his guidance and friendship she realized her lifelong desire to become a carver.  Her further relationship with the members of the Port Gamble S'klallam Tribe of Little Boston encouraged her love of Native art and culture.
In 1995, Debi moved to Haines, Alaska with her two daughters.  There she found peace, happiness, and her destiny. 

"Living in the Pacific Northwest, I have always been surrounded by the natural beauty of the land and the sea.  Combining this background with my later immersion into the Native art and culture of my region, I have developed a style of artistic expression, both traditional and individual. that seems a natural evolution.  What I know is that it feels good and right and honest."