Debbie Schugg

Debbie has 30 years of experience working with families of at-risk youth and those with special needs. She is a Family Recruiter and Family Coach with extensive experience as Lead Parent Partner in an Adoption and Permanency Wraparound Program. She is the mother of eight children from culturally diverse backgrounds, seven of whom were adopted in sibling groups from the foster care system. Debbie and her husband also provide a safe haven and permanent connections for a number of teens and young adults, many of whom identify as LGBTQ. 

Debbie serves as a consultant and trainer for families, schools, agencies and residential treatment facilities to identify trauma-based behaviors, shift culture and language regarding adoption, and provide implementable strategies for helping children heal and families thrive. Her fluency in American Sign Language and life experience within the deaf community add yet another dimension to her unique perspective and skill set.

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Consulting Areas

Debbie is an experienced and engaging trainer of professionals and families. She also is a contributing curriculum developer and trainer for parents and caregivers of children who have experienced significant trauma and loss – and is an experienced parent and professional advocate who provides expert testimony for policy and legislative initiatives. She is available to provide specialized trainings on a wide variety of topics relating to adoption, permanency, parenting and family challenges.