Debbie Graves Profile

Educational History:

I graduated from Ruston High School in 1971 and taught music 29 years before becoming a Professional School Counselor. I received my undergraduate degree from ULM in Vocal Music and a Masters in Vocal Music at Louisiana Tech a few years later.  I received a certification in Instrumental Music from Louisiana Tech and then returned to school 20 years later to receive a Masters in School Counseling from ULM..

Degrees and Certifications:

B.M.E. in 1978 from University of Louisiana Monroe

M.A. in 1983 from Louisiana Tech

Received certification in Instrumental Music from Louisiana Tech in 1993

Masters Degree in School Counseling 2003 from University of Louisiana Monroe

+30 2003 from University of Louisiana Monroe

Certified in Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, and School Counseling

Professional Development:

I attend as many workshops in School Counseling as provided in the area and do research for grants that I receive from the Junior League of Monroe. I have done extensive research in brain developement in children and how trauma in children’s lives affect their learning in school. and life.

Growth Mindset, Mindfulness and Positive Affirmations are three of my favorite topics to teach  to my students everyday in hopes that my students will leave Highland with a positive mindset for anything they might attempt in life. 

Family Information:

I have been married to my husband Michael for 51 years and he has loved and supported me through out my educational career.  He has hauled many chairs and stands for concerts and accompanied me on many a band or choir trip!  I couldn’t have done it without his support and love.  I have three grown children, Jay, Laurie, and Chase.  My daughter is a teacher at Kiroli, where she has been teacher of the year twice!  I am very proud of all of my children but especially her because she is a wonderful teacher.  My older son, Jay, lives in Springdale, Ark. and has six children.  My younger son, Chase, is a chef but because of the pandenic, now works for Sysco and lives in Riverside, California. 

I have two grandchildren that live here, Sarah Riley and Ethan, and we are very involved in their everyday lives.  Sarah Riley is a senior at ULM, hoping to graduate this Spring in Criminal Justice and then go on to Law School. She is currently the choreographer for St. Fredericks High School Drill Team. Ethan is a Junior at Louisiana Tech, studying Environmental Science, hoping to graduate next year and then go on to Law School. He has stayed busy this Summer working at Best Buy and looking forward to being a part of the great Louisiana Tech Band of Pride he is so proud of when school resumes in the Fall.

Anywhere my husband and I go, you will see our minpin, Deni! All of the children at Highland know him!

Personal Information:

I love updating my home with ideas I get from my decorating magazines and my husband and I enjoy digging through flea markets and antique shops! Traveling with my husband on weekends is something I really enjoy!