HI, MY NAME IS DEBORAH…
For years, I’ve felt like I existed between spaces—not quite this, not fully that—always searching for my lane but never finding one that fit. It wasn't until my journey through trauma healing and deep inner work that I realized: I’m all of it. All of me belongs. The healing led me to the stage, where I stepped into characters like Topsy Washington and Celie Johnson, who taught me more about myself than I expected. I’ve learned to lead a life like Topsy says, "… honey don't go waste your time trying to label or define me… 'cause I'm not who I was ten years ago or ten minutes ago. I'm all of that and then some."
Today, I embrace my identity as a wellbeing coach, artist, movement practitioner, and dancer. I’m a fierce advocate, loving and calm, wild and full of hysteria—I am all of it, and I’ve found rest in just being me. Through my work, I hope to help you discover the same within yourself.
Who Am I?
Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I’ve traveled the world, bringing my passion for wellness, body regulation, and healing to people from all walks of life. I’m a certified trauma healing specialist, a certified Yoga Teacher (CYT 200), and a licensed and ordained minister. I help humans, human well by guiding them toward mental and physical health and balance.
For years, I’ve helped people tell their stories—whether through editing, writing, or framing thoughts. I’ve assisted writers in bringing their visions to life through poetry, self-help books, novels, dissertations, wedding vows, resumes, and cover letters. I’ve shaped story arcs, developed characters, and helped clarify meaning.
And while I’ve brought characters like Miss Celie and Topsy Washington to life on stage, I’ve also continued to hone my skills as a storyteller, stepping from behind the scenes to center stage, fully embracing this art form.
My Mission
My mission is to guide others toward healing and self-discovery through movement and words. As a motivational speaker, certified yoga teacher, artist, and author of The 30-Day Speak Life Challenge, I’ve empowered many who struggle with anxiety and depression to find strength through faith, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
With Use Your Words Coaching & Consulting and Movement That Matters, I offer both private and public writing services and movement events. These two offerings merge wellness and storytelling to create transformative experiences. Whether you're celebrating a special milestone with a personalized movement event or seeking to complete your written work, I’m here to guide you through the process and help bring your vision to life.
A Bit of Stage and Story
I recently made my acting debut portraying Topsy Washington in a Juneteenth production of The Colored Museum w/ the New South Players’ Guild and Miss Celie in The Color Purple - The Musical w/ the Biloxi Little Theater. Though I once described myself as "the dancer who doesn’t dance, the singer who doesn’t sing, and the writer who doesn’t write," I now stand boldly in my truth, declaring, “I’m Here, like Celie so eloquently relayed.
Overcoming vocal cord trauma and periods of voicelessness, I’ve stepped confidently into the spotlight and embraced the power of living loudly—and I hope to inspire you to embrace your own power too.