Debbie Ervin is this month’s M.O.M. Debbie is a retired Livonia teacher. She began her career in Livonia as a Social Studies and English student teacher at the junior high level fresh from Michigan State University. There were no jobs available at that level. Her supervising teacher suggested that she take a job at sixth grade and see what teenagers were like before they got to junior high. Debbie fell in love with elementary. She taught most of the grades, but loved the older students.

Debbie received her Masters from Eastern Michigan University in Elementary Education and continued post graduate work in Learning Disabilities. She became a Learning Specialist at the elementary level. Debbie later went to middle school as a Special Education Teacher Consultant. After five years she went to high school in the same role.

Debbie has been active in getting programs started in Livonia. She helped develop an "Orientation" program for ninth graders entering high school. She helped pioneer and author the first Human Growth and Development unit in Michigan.

Debbie bought maternity time so she could retire early with her husband. Bob Ervin is a retired from Federal Aviation Administration. They have two beautiful daughters, Jennifer and Amy, both recently married. One was married in June and the other in October. The weddings have been a major accomplishment since Debbie has retired. Debbie also has two wonderful stepchildren, Greg and Dawn, and they have given Bob and her three beautiful grandchildren.

Debbie loves to play bridge, read, theater, and be surrounded by friends and family. Marcia Scarr says that Debbie is the ultimate shopper- sales that is! Now that the weddings are over and paid for she hopes to travel. Although retired, Bob builds computers, but they are footloose and fancy free, except for Hershel, the adopted cat.

Debbie was initiated into Gamma Alpha in 1980. She has been a very active member. She was Nominations chairman many times. She has been Corresponding Secretary. Debbie was also the Historian (maker of the notebooks Sherry and Mary Jo are sharing each month). She has been on the Empathy committee for many years. Debbie has been involved in Self Esteem seminars, the fashion shows and the holiday auctions. Debbie has taken over World fellowships chair that was held by our much missed Gamma Alpha sister, Alice Marks. She has attended State Conventions and had never missed the ones held at the Grand Hotel. Gamma Alpha is richer for having Debbie as a member