In her role as Extension Specialist since 2006, Deborah provides statewide leadership for educational programming for commercial small farmers, managers and coordinators of various direct and alternative marketing channels, and non-commercial small acreage landowner. She also acts a coordinator for the University of Illinois Small Farms program, working with county and regional Extension personnel to deliver educational programming on a regional and statewide basis. She is also the co-facilitator of the Central Illinois Farm Beginnings Program. Deborah also serves as the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR SARE) Coordinator and provides support and information about the various NCR SARE grant programs and activities.

Previously she had served as the Co-Coordinator of the University of Illinois Agroecology Sustainable Agriculture Program (1994-2006). Deborah has also served as the Working Group Coordinator, Liaison Office, Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR), as the Executive Director, Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Network (1992-1994) and as a Resource Planner and Coordinator of the Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program, Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) (1987-1992).

Deborah holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies, as well as undergraduate degrees in Horticulture, Crop and Soil Science and Secondary Education.

Deborah is a member of Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP), Association of Community Development Extension Professional (IL-ACDEP), Epsilon Sigma Phi, Gamma Sigma Delta, She is the past president of the both the Illinois Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) and the national SWCS. She is also the past president of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Deborah has served as a member of the NCR SARE Technical Committee (1994-1997) and Administrative Council (1999-2002).