Deborah was born in the UK the daughter of a restaurateur and designer, and after graduating with a Degree in Economics from Essex University and a Masters in Economics from London School Economics, she lived in Bristol England. She moved with her husband Chris to the United States in 1991.

Professionally Deborah has extensive experience in IT project management, having worked in London, Tulsa, and San Francisco in the energy, research, and retail sectors. She left her position as director of eCommerce Development with GAP Inc and moved to Seattle in 2004.

Deborah is the mother of two boys; Benjamin Pirie who Graduated from FASPS in 2007 and Samuel Pirie who is currently in 5th Grade. Prior to moving to Seattle both Ben and Sam attended the French American International School in San Francisco. Deborah has worked extensively on fund raising activities for the Children's Day School and the French American International School in San Francisco, and as a volunteer here at FASPS.