Education and Background

Deborah joined Marsden in 2024, bringing a diverse and global background to her role teaching Mathematics, Physical Education and Financial Skills.

She graduated first in her year at McGill University in Québec, receiving multiple scholarships and awards. Her Master's degree focused on women’s sport, sociology and theology, completed while teaching in a remote indigenous community in Canada. After moving to the UK, she trained as a Chartered Tax Accountant with PwC, working with multinational clients, NGOs and charities.

In New Zealand, she became Head of Department at a Northland high school and founded one of the country’s first astro-tourism ventures, hosting New Zealand’s largest hands-on telescope. She has been recognised with multiple awards and scholarships for her research and innovation.

Teaching Philosophy

Deborah focuses on real-world learning, drawing on her diverse background to help students make meaningful connections.

She especially values increasing financial literacy among young women and uses interactive tools like Cashflow 101 and investment simulations to bring learning to life.

Passions Outside of School

An open-water swimmer, Deborah has completed a 32km solo swim up Kaipara Harbour, a butterfly crossing of Auckland Harbour, and medalled at both national and international competitions. In 2025, she won gold at the NZ Masters Open Water Champs and has completed relay crossings of Lake Taupō and Cook Strait.

She is passionate about astronomy, music, and nature, and volunteers as treasurer and deckhand for the Wellington Volunteer Coastguard. She also plays several instruments and attends Suzuki camps with her children.