Debbie has been the Region 1 FEI Youth Coordinator and NAYC Chef d'Equipe since 2012. This will be her 15th year as a USDF PM Delegate for Region 1 at the Board of Governors meeting with the express interest of representing youth in the sport. Debbie was the recipient of the D4K Corinne F. Gray Award and the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award. To date, Debbie is also the only 2-time recipient of the Albers Award at NAYC given to the Chef d'Equipe who best demonstrates dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit. Debbie likes to cook, travel, hike, and organize dressage clinics, and she is working on building a stronger youth development program in Region 1. She is also looking forward to riding after her shoulder replacement!
Debbie has been involved with Dressage4Kids since 2003 when her daughter, Nicole, who has a passion for dressage, attended the Youth Dressage Festival.
Debbie continues to be involved with Dressage4Kids through the committee, as a speaker for D4K UP, and as an organizer of D4K TEAM Clinics. Debbie was also the assistant show secretary (for the Youth Dressage Festival) to Kathy Kiesel for a few years beginning in 2006, took over the role through 2013, and then went back to an assistant secretary role whenever possible (and when it doesn't conflict with NAYC).
When asked what motivates her most about Dressage4Kids, Debbie writes, "What I like most about D4K is its ability to take ideas and quickly formulate programs with little to no red tape. Witnessing the success of the athletes in the D4K program and their gratefulness to D4K is what motivates me to continue to dedicate my time to this organization."
As the FEI Youth Coordinator of Region 1, Debbie is always around youth and makes it her mission to be a hub for information for the various pathways available to youth, including all things D4K.
