I’ve studied six styles of martial arts and created one, officiated ice hockey across Canada and in the United States and Japan, started three businesses, traveled to Indonesia, China, Singapore, Texas, California, New York, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary all in the name of learning. In 2010 I had the honour of cycling across Canada, with the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, after I was inspired by someone who had done it on 2009. I am currently focused on mastering Harmony Integration processes (a site will be up very soon) and promoting my second book, “Unlock the Door - Beyond Sexual Abuse” to further my goal:
To bring attention to the epidemic of sexual abuse, to unite people with the mission of reducing the prevalence of sexual abuse and promoting recovery, healing, and a healthy attitude and outlook.
In 2006 my dearest friend of 33 years, lost her battle with cancer. She told me, “Deb, I’m not afraid of dying; I’m just not ready to go.” I told her that if she was leaving me here I was going to have to do, be, become, enjoy, and learn enough for both of us. In her memory, I continue to strive to learn, teach, and challenge myself and others. I believe that we are all connected and as the consciousness of the planet is elevated, we too must strive to better ourselves and others.
Please read on for my extended bio...
I spent my formative years in Kingston, Ontario attending school, playing sports, banging on my drums and guitar, and making money to finance several interests and hobbies – and of course to pay for my Honda 175 street bike then my lemon green Ford Maverick. After high school I went to York University where I earned an honours degree in Psychology. In my final year I completed a placement at Queen Street Mental Health Hospital, which led me to question my choice in majors. I had my own baggage and I didn't feel ready, prepared, or eager to listen to other people’s problems. I decided it was a good idea to take a year to relax prior to starting my 'career', so I accepted a job creating artwork at a screen-printing business – it fit nicely with my part-time job coaching the women's ice hockey team at York University and my desire to become a top international hockey official.
After a short time I invested in the screen-printing company, but then quickly learned my first lesson in business: five business partners are too many! I had never dreamed of owning my own business, but in 1989, it seemed the best way to have both a job and freedom to pursue other things was to work for myself. I co-founded a sport cresting business called Dradalm Promotions, which is still alive and well today.
I eventually stopped competitive refereeing and focused on a new passion – martial arts and teaching. I was introduced to enlightened masters and personal growth, which expanded my mind considerably. I created “Realistic Self Defense for Women” in 1995 as an awareness and empowerment vehicle and continue to teach it in schools and businesses as well as privately. While teaching at a high school in 2007, I met a student that expressed to me an endless barrage of fears – her angst and my compassion for her and others like her inspired my first book, “What Is Your Teenage Daughter Afraid Of? Girls you have a voice.” I believe this book was my 'life's purpose' encouraging me to fully awaken.
In 2011 during a restless night of questioning, "What does all that I have done mean?" I had flashbacks of childhood sexual abuse. That experience ultimately guided me to reveal my story and write a book, with 39 contributors, that could serve people struggling to heal from the trauma of sexual violations. Sexual abuse is an epidemic and my mission is to break the stigma and taboo surrounding it. I am now placing my energies and focus on helping others heal.
My favourite accomplishments:
After a short time I invested in the screen-printing company, but then quickly learned my first lesson in business: five business partners are too many! I had never dreamed of owning my own business, but in 1989, it seemed the best way to have both a job and freedom to pursue other things was to work for myself. I co-founded a sport cresting business called Dradalm Promotions, which is still alive and well today.
I eventually stopped competitive refereeing and focused on a new passion – martial arts and teaching. I was introduced to enlightened masters and personal growth, which expanded my mind considerably. I created “Realistic Self Defense for Women” in 1995 as an awareness and empowerment vehicle and continue to teach it in schools and businesses as well as privately. While teaching at a high school in 2007, I met a student that expressed to me an endless barrage of fears – her angst and my compassion for her and others like her inspired my first book, “What Is Your Teenage Daughter Afraid Of? Girls you have a voice.” I believe this book was my 'life's purpose' encouraging me to fully awaken.
In 2011 during a restless night of questioning, "What does all that I have done mean?" I had flashbacks of childhood sexual abuse. That experience ultimately guided me to reveal my story and write a book, with 39 contributors, that could serve people struggling to heal from the trauma of sexual violations. Sexual abuse is an epidemic and my mission is to break the stigma and taboo surrounding it. I am now placing my energies and focus on helping others heal.
My favourite accomplishments:
- Developing and teaching “Realistic Self Defense for Women”.
- Earning a black sash in Kung Fu and black belt in Karate.
- Becoming the first female to referee in an International Women's World Ice Hockey Championship (1990).
- Cycling across Canada in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride 2010.
- Facilitating and working side by side with courageous people who strive to overcome sexual trauma.
- Harmony Integration coaching.
- Writing two books: "What Is Your Teenage Daughter Afraid Of?: Girls You Have a Voice" & "Unlock the Door- Beyond Sexual Abuse."
- Being a small business owner since 1989!