Deb began her career in Special Education after taking what she thought would be a “summer job” at a private school for children with autism in the early ’90s.  Before the end of that first summer, she realized she had found her calling, went on to get a Master of Education Degree in Special Education, and has spent the last 35 years teaching and learning from the students, families, and educators she has met along her journey.  Deb has been at the Pilgrim Area Collaborative for over 25 years and has been the Director of the Pilgrim Area Collaborative Extended Services (PACES) Program since its development in 2003. Deb developed PACES and its philosophy based on the principle that together, we can do more.  She believes that providing education, training, consultation, and support better empowers students, families, educators, and community members.  PACES helps to maximize individual student learning in the home, school, and community settings.  Staying true to her mantra, “Be a Force of New”, and the Collaborative’s Mission, Deb and her Leadership Team have continued to expand and develop innovative programs.  PACES now provides direct services to over 100 students/families from nearly 30 towns across Southeastern Massachusetts and employs over 100 staff members.  Deb’s passion for learning has taken her across the country to San Jose, California where she completed the clinical mentorship program at Michelle Garcia Winner’s Center for Social Thinking. She completed the advanced training of Collaborative Problem Solving with Ross Greene and has held adjunct faculty positions at Bridgewater State University, Northeastern University and Emerson College. Deb holds DESE Licensure as a Special Education Administrator (all levels) as well as Teacher of Children with Severe Special Needs (all levels). She is a certified instructor in Physical & Psychological Management Training (PMT). Deb is a mother of 3 adult children and lives on Cape Cod with her husband.