As Youth Education Director for the Greater Newark Conservancy, Debbie explored the urban environment with thousands of Newark youth. In eight vacant lot gardens, she helped students and teachers plant vegetables, compost organic matter, and investigate soil and insects. This role earned her the nickname “Garden Lady” by many city children, a moniker she grudgingly accepted. These gardens, and numerous other educational landscape projects, were designed using recycled and donated construction materials. Debbie also implemented an array of service learning projects, including storm drain stenciling, student-designed garbage cans for city parks, and the construction of a nature trail in Branch Brook Park.

Debbie has also been a naturalist for the Monmouth County Parks, where she led hikes and beach walks, built Lenape longhouses, and served as the aquarist at Seven Presidents Park. She was particularly challenged by a crayfish she named Fred, who had a penchant for escaping his tank and hiding under a bathroom heater.

Debbie was also a Field Guide for the NJ Marine Sciences Consortium, where she held the self-proclaimed title “Seine Net Champion of Sandy Hook.” Her most famous catch was a 16-inch fluke, which she wrestled on the beach to the thrill and amazement of her school-age audience.