Who is Debra?

About Me


I grew up on a farm in rural central Michigan, the oldest of eight children.  After graduating from high school, I went to nursing school, married, became the mother of two children, and eventually returned to school to earn my master's degree.


After over twenty years of marriage, my husband was diagnosed with a chronic condition requiring years of kidney dialysis and eventually a kidney transplant. 


My children grew to be young adults, and my marriage ended in divorce after nearly 25 years of marriage, I became a single woman again starting  over in a new city, a new home, a new job.  


Over the years I have became a single grandmother to three precious children.  I continued to work as a nurse in a variety of settings.  I discovered life coaching and pursued a coaching practice based on nursing and leadership.  I retired from nursing several years ago.  Retiring to me meant no longer working someone else's schedule.  So, I asked myself again, "Now What?"  As I reflected on my life and realized all the life transitons I experienced and successfully manuvered through, I realized I could couple this with my passion for inspiring and supporting women.  Thus, the birth of Gritty Sisters and my Transitional Life Coaching practice!


Let me lighten up a bit, I have experienced a lot of changes in my life, but who has not?  I have also become a traveler, a camper, a kayaker and much more.  I have made many new friends.  I am more spontaneous, more of a risk-taker, and a dreamer who knows how to make dreams come true!


What I have learned is how to navigate through the transitions of my life.  Now, I am here to serve you and help you navigate through your transitions.  


My Philosophy


I believe all my experiences have happened for my higher good.  Many of my experiences were beautiful and joyful, however some were just plain nasty and tough.  Despite the good, the bad, or the ugly each experience in my life has led me to become the person I am today, and I like that person!  


My Passion


I love working with women desiring to make changes in their lives, to consider and explore, to stretch, to grow, and to thrive. 


My Vision


To empower, inspire, and strengthen women through their life transitions.  To support and serve them as they perserver in discovering their passion and purpose.


My Education & Training