Debbie has worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist for over 27 years. Her undergraduate degree is in Growth and Development of Children (with a child life emphasis) and recently completed her Master’s in Healthcare Administration.

She first worked as an inpatient child life specialist at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. During her time there she worked on a med-surg unit, in PICU, and was later an outpatient child life specialist in a GI and pre/post sedation unit.

She has been at Nebraska Medicine for over 17 years with the last 10 years working in the outpatient cancer center. While the majority of her time is spent with pediatric patients, she also works with children of adults who have been diagnosed with cancer or are nearing the end of life.

Debbie is adept at building relationships with other professionals to enhance patient care experiences and has led the way to decrease the need for sedation with children undergoing radiation therapy. She has also partnered with Reimagine Well to develop the first-ever “VR immersive education” experiences designed to help educate patients prior to MRI and radiation therapy.

She is the creator of the ONE VOICE approach which is designed to teach health care professionals how to create a less threatening environment for kids undergoing medical procedures. Her work in oncology has strengthened her skills in helping children and families navigate the unexpected.