She was born and raised on the West Coast and was influenced by her father, a cultural Mennonite, who encouraged her art practise and fostered critical, philosophical discussion around universal truths. Deborah holds a Bachelor of Education in English and Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University and a Certificate of Fine Arts/Painting from Emily Carr University. Her extensive travels in Europe and Asia and her 12 year career as a Humanities educator have provided fertile fodder for her universal narratives.