Debbie is a Lecturer in the Department of Social Work, Monash University and a Research Fellow in the Epworth Monash Rehabilitation Medicine Unit. Debbie’s research area is the relationship between the perception of common humanity and compassion in healthcare workers. Debbie developed, trialled and evaluated a single session compassion training intervention which has attracted interest from around the world.

Debbie is also an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker in private practice and a senior clinician social worker at Epworth HealthCare. Debbie sits on the Australian Compassion Council, Charter for Compassion Australia and she is also a member of the Australia21 Mindful Futures Network Advisory Group.