Amy’s story begins with the realization of our lacking and conforming public school systems that are causing harm to our younger generation.

She knew something had to change.

After touring many different education models in the U.S., she finally stumbled upon the Acton Academy philosophies and methods… This was precisely what she’d been looking for.

She took the leap and opened up a school of her own in Southern Nevada. Though it wasn’t easy, especially amid a pandemic, she persevered to provide her community with a unique and meaningful education system.

Yá'át'ééh (hello), I am half Navajo and was raised on Navajo Nation, or "The Rez" as we call it back home. This is where I found a deep love for learning, creating, exploring, and nature through cultural classes and wide open lands. During my down time you'll likely find me deep in a book, in the middle of a building or macrame project, tending to plants, acquiring new skills, or enjoying time exploring new places. Prior to joining Acton, I was a Registered Behavior Technician and tutoring children with various learning challenges. One of my strengths is finding ways to support learners by observing their unique traits and challenges they may be facing.

A dedicated teacher of young minds with almost 20 years experience, Debbie finds joy in the wonder and achievements of her students. She brings her joy of educating young minds and excitement to the classroom everyday.

Her goal as a teacher is to always take her class on adventures, where they are able to investigate new ideas, and form their own thoughts and ideas through hands-on learning experiences. She believes every child is unique and learns at their own pace, but they all deserve an opportunity to learn through their own learning style. Debbie and her husband, Mark, have 2 young men attending college.

During her leisure time, she enjoys being at home with her 3 dogs and watching movies.

I had really fun jobs after college- teaching dance, doing makeup, and interviewing celebrities on red carpets, but felt like I wasn’t doing anything meaningful in the world. So naturally, I became a teacher. I taught and coached dance in CCSD for eight years, then our oldest son (Andy) came along and changed the entire picture. I became a stay-at-home mom, which I have loved for the past eight years. When I recently began contemplating my next step, which was definitely going to involve working with young people again in some capacity, Amy asked me about possibly coming to Acton. So here I am, ready to unlearn and learn, work with the best humans ever (kids!), and continue to hopefully empower parents to get outside of the traditional education box so many are stuck inside of with unhappy, underchallenged, dispassionate children. I am a huge believer in empowering children and turning over the reins to allow them to run their own lives and be their own people. I have seen my own son take the wheel of his life, have many opportunities to fail and succeed at Acton, and grow greatly as his own person. Doing things non-traditionally is hard, but is so worth it in the end.