Three weeks into her service as a new Stake Relief Society President a group of families with LGBTQ+ young adult children approached Deb asking for ministering to the unique needs of their young people and family members.  This prompted a series of conversations between Deb and the Stake Presidency in which Deb offered to research how other stakes were ministering to their LGBTQ+ members and their families and to gather information from members of our own stake to better understand their experiences and needs.  Many Stake Council and Bishops’ Council discussions later, the stake undertook what they called their “Of One Heart Initiative", with the goal of creating a more welcoming, inclusive, loving community of Saints for LGBTQ+ people and their families.  The initiative was designed to function within existing callings, organizations, and councils and to reach every individual in the stake with its core message of belonging.  

Deb is a clinical social worker in mental health therapy practice in suburban Chicago, Illinois.  She and her husband, Matt, are the parents of six children, five of whom are LGBTQ+.  Deb is currently serving in her dream calling as a Sunbeam teacher, and as her stake’s JustServe Specialist, and as a worker in the Chicago Temple.  She believes everyone can act within their stewardship and the existing administrative structure and policies of our Church to minister to LGBTQ+ people and their families, fostering a faith community that reflects the Savior’s core message that everyone is loved and belongs.