A Mom in Distress

Deborah Ptasnik DeVere is currently a Tucson, Arizona resident. She is a recently retired elementary school teacher for English language learners. Deborah worked for 24 years at a Title I school on the south side of Tucson. Serving students from the lowest socioeconomic levels, all of whom qualified for free breakfast and lunch, her commitment was to ensure that all students achieved robust literacy. Deborah is also a devoted mother to three grown sons. All live in the Austin, TX vicinity. At the end of March, her oldest son, Michael, was arrested and jailed. Now, Deborah finds herself on an unexpected journey. Still devoted and committed to the well-being of all her boys, she is taking this opportunity to be of service in a new and challenging arena.