More Debbie

Many things are dear to Debbie Cooke, none more so than family, friends and faith. Eleanor Roosevelt’s observation that “The giving of love is an education in itself,” speaks volumes about Debbie and is, indeed, one of the maxims by which she lives.

“Not only is Debbie one of the very best in her professional field, her integrity and passion are flames that are ever present. Folks gravitate to her as a leader or a member of a team,” says educational consultant John Sargeant, EdD, “I can’t think of a state of affairs professionally that didn’t benefit by Debbie’s involvement, and I can’t think of a team that didn’t come away feeling that she was as sharp and selfless a person as they’d ever met. Magically, she somehow becomes ‘family’ to everyone she meets!”

This “country girl” lives with her husband of 26 years and their three labs in Palm Beach County, Florida. She was born in Arkansas, and spent many of her childhood and adolescent years traveling the world as an “Army brat” with her two brothers, mom and dad -- an early lifestyle to which she credits her lack of shyness!

When not devoting her energies to her family and profession, Debbie’s attention is often tied to various volunteer projects. Two of her most passionate focuses are Komen For The Cure and Zeta Tau Alpha. Debbie has been a volunteer for Komen since 1999, overseeing the “Survivors Programming Committee” for the celebrated Race For The Cure held annually in West Palm Beach. Debbie became a ZTA during her sophomore year at Stetson University, and has been an ardent and hands-on “sister” for more than 30 years. She was a founding member (and multiple officer) of the Palm Beach County Alumnae Chapter, and a National Officer with ZTA from July 2000 to July 2006. Her contributions to the Fraternity have been recognized on many levels in the organization, including recipient of a Zeta Tau Alpha Certificate of Merit (February 1999) and, in June 2004, of ZTA’s highest honor as an Honor Ring Recipient for Leadership Development. She continues working for the local ZTA chapter, and her current national project with ZTA involves serving as an online monitor for the Fraternity’s “Alcohol.EDU” program.

With multiple appearances in Who's Who Among American Educators, Debbie was Palm Beach Gardens High School's representative for the William Dwyer Award in the area of Special Education in 1986-87. Often filling in when no other volunteer hands shot into the air, Debbie took on National Honor Society and “class” sponsorship roles. With no experience, she even took on the responsibility of cheerleading coach for Olympic Heights High School in 1991-92 -- and was named Palm Beach County Athletic Conference Coach of the Year!

Debbie’s new adventure, WPGL Consulting, is an effort to share some of the knowledge, expertise and “lessons learned” she has experienced in her 30 years as an educator. If you think she may be of service to your organization, please don't hesitate to contact us..