Debi, as she likes to be called, was born in Wisconsin and raised in northern Illinois.  She had a successful career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist specializing in trauma and critical care for 25 years before retiring.  She was called to full-time ministry at the age of 47 and entered Asbury Theological Seminary, Orlando shortly thereafter.

 Debi’s home church is Grace Church, Cape Coral, Florida where she discerned her calling and served in lay ministry under Pastor Jorge Acevedo until taking her first appointment as a full-time pastor.  She served the church in ministry as a leader in Celebrate Recovery, Divorce Care, Help for Hurting Women, Healing Prayer Team, Stephens Ministry, Choir and Praise Team, various bible studies, teaching children’s Sunday school and various other duties.

 Before becoming a full-time pastor, Debi worked out of the Conference office in Lakeland helping with the Storm Recovery efforts following the hurricane seasons of 2004-2005.

 She is a full-time local pastor and a certified candidate for elder working toward becoming a provisional elder.  She is also preparing to become a licensed Marriage and Family therapy counselor.

 She married Michael Short December 12, 2008;  has 3 sons, Patrick, Sean and Brandon; and 7 grandchildren, Christian, Collin, Catherine, Alexander, Rebecca, Chase and AJ.