Debbie may
Cameroon 2007-2009

Debbie had aspirations of serving in the Peace Corps at an early age, but being a young mother and working full-time, the timing wasn’t right. So after college, establishing a career, and her only child grown and independent, she decided it wasn’t too late! She applied to The Peace Corps and was accepted at age 51.

Debbie served in Cameroon, West Africa from 2007-2009.

She taught English and helped to train teachers in the Teacher Training College. Debbie was involved in many community projects which included setting up libraries in two different schools. After working hours, students came to visit Debbie daily to be tutored in English or just hang out with her. Debbie’s love of animals led her to partner with Heifer International. She helped educate community members to learn about sustainable, values-based holistic community development in setting up snail and pig farms. 

 She also volunteered with a wildlife center where she became a surrogate mother to rescued, orphaned baby chimpanzees. 

 Debbie is a native Nashvillian and enjoys teaching 3rd grade at Ensworth School. During the summer she is a co-director during the summer for Time to Rise, a Nashville- based nonprofit, working with at-risk youth. 

Debbie holds a B.S in Health and Physical Education from Georgia State University and an M.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia.