Finding Me

Finding Me is a riveting exploration into how one woman’s search for self and the infamous activities of the Shelby County Branch of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society collided to become the catalyst for an adoption rights revolution in Tennessee. It is the story of uncommon friends who came together for a common cause. It is an inspirational journey of self-discovery that ends in the crafting of a new Tennessee adoption law. The law passed the Tennessee legislature in 1995 and was ultimately upheld by the courts in 1999. The rights of adoptees and birthparents were balanced for the first time in the United States, and the new law was cited as a model law for our nation.

Debbie is an adoptee and adoption reform activist. She is a devoted wife and a retired banker who continues to volunteer and work on local community projects and organizations. She has dedicated her life to promoting the concept of openness in adoption policy and practice. She believes fervently that truth, understanding, and credibility are the foundations upon which anything can be accomplished. She is the proud recipient of the following awards for her work on adoption reform: Tennessee Legislative Proclamation for her work on adoption reform United States 9th Congressional District Certificate of Accomplishment 2001 Co-Recipient of Memphis Tennessee’s Women of Achievement Award for Determination 2001 Recipient of the Memphis Women's Magazine 50 Women Who Make a Difference award