I am a career coach, career counselor, speaker and trainer. I have helped individuals and groups navigate the job search process and find meaningful careers in colleges, high schools, nonprofit organizations, corporations and jails. As an equity-minded career counselor, I am an advocate for underserved populations affected by trauma. I actively engage in professional development through my membership in the National Career Development Association and the California Career Development Association.
I earned a MS in Counseling with an Emphasis in College Counseling and Student Services from Cal State Northridge. I have a BS in Broadcast Journalism from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I am certified in MBTI® and the Strong Interest Inventory®. To learn more about my career trajectory, check out my LinkedIn Profile.
I am a tea connoisseur. My passions include surfing, hiking, camping, Zumba, yoga and adventure travel. My recent adventures include hiking in the Amazon Rain Forest in Ecuador and surfing in two different oceans in Costa Rica.
What People Say
Together, we wrote a resume that allowed me to showcase my relevant work experience in retail sales. I learned how to change my resume for each position I applied for, including key words and phrases that caught the attention of hiring managers. Debra guided me through the process of using my network to get job leads using social media and my circle of friends. Finally, she helped me answer tough interview questions and articulate my strengths with mock interviews.
Calvin Colima, Fine Art Photographer
Debra sparkles with her enthusiasm for helping others in a career-finding capacity. Not only did I have the privilege of working with her at the CCDA Spring Conference, I saw her put her organizational, communication and planning skills to work yet again, in coordinating and presenting an outstanding CCDA panel discussion on International Students and Career Strategies. She also spearheaded the re-opening and running of the San Gabriel branch of California Career Development Association. She is a dynamic go-getter and would be an asset to any team.
Vikki Westerskov, Career Counselor
Debra is a a wonderful and dedicated counselor. I have known Debra for several years – and have been consistently impressed with her dedication to diverse and underserved student populations. Debra is compassionate, thorough, and consistently strives for excellence.
Anne-Marie Beck, Career Counselor
Mindful Career Guide 