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Staff words of appreciation shared during the RCC 15 virtual farewell.

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Hi Deb,
Thank you for being our "Willow Tree."

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Deb, when we met, it was instant rapport. You asked so many good questions – about my work and home life. When I found out you got your start as a school psychologist, it made perfect sense. Everything you do feels like it comes from a place of deep caring – about your current and past colleagues, about the current and past organizations you work for, and especially educators and students nationally and California. And, because of this, you have high expectations that you support those around you to meet. I have learned so much from you. I appreciate all that you have given me as a leader, supervisor, and mentor. Thank you!

I wish you a wonderful next chapter with lots of time to enjoy yourself with your family, and most especially your grandsons! And, I look forward to Sacramento dinners and drinks.

Best,

Heather

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Deb,

Not much else to say that hasn't already been said but I am so very excited that you are going to be spending more time with James and Daley! I'm so very thankful that you are in my life and I promise to send you Zillow posts for your approval next year when Shourav and I are searching for our next Sacramento home :-)

-Mal

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Deb,

It has been amazing getting to know you over past several years. I have learned a lot from you, particularly how to partner with CDE and other state agencies. I am glad I was able to work with you on the Quality School Framework while you were at CDE, and then even closer with you when you transitioned to WestEd. I hope you enjoy your retirement and spending extra time with your sweet grand-babies! Thank you for all that you have done!

-Erica Skreslet

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Deb, it was an incredible honor to serve with you on the R15CC Ethnic Studies Focus Group Project!  Thank you for your guidance and leadership, and for being a fantastic role model of a compassionate, strategic and fierce leader!

Hugs,

Teresa Alonzo

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Wishing you all the best in your retirement, Deb! I am so grateful for the few times I've been able to work with you and connect throughout my time here. Everyone who has mentioned you to me has absolutely nothing but shining praises to say. You've made such a lasting impression on everyone you've met and I think that speaks so highly of you.

I hope to see you during your transition to retirement! Enjoy this next chapter of your life!

Brianna Moorehead

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Happy Retirement, Deb! Thank you for your dedication to improving the lives of children in the many different hats you've worn throughout your career. I hope you get to experience all the non-work adventures and hope you enjoy every moment! (BTW-Minnie is waiting to hang out with your and the grandbabies!) -Tran

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Dear Deb, I can't thank-you enough for being a colleague, mentor, coach, connector of worlds and most of all a friend! We worked oh so hard on our BIE work and shared a few laughs too. I can't thank you enough for your guidance, eternal optimism and confidence in me. So excited for this next stage in your life with family, grand babies, travel and more! Don't be a stranger!

All the best,
Rob :-)

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Deb, I think you were the first person I was introduced to when I joined WestEd! I've so appreciated all the support and guidance you've provided to me over the years. It's been an absolute honor and joy to work with and learn from you and I hope that our paths will continue to cross. Thank you for your leadership and for all you've done to support our young people across California and beyond. My very best to you for a lovely and joyful retirement!
Amber

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Deb, there's no way for me to share with you the innumerable ways that you have made me better -- as a person, as a manager, as a colleague -- and how you've contributed to better systems, better projects, and better client relationships. You have left a legacy here with everyone you've worked with at WestEd. Thank you for so freely sharing your knowledge and yourself with us, we are all better for it. I am especially grateful for your trust, your support, and fighting for the things that are right without regard to the price you may have had to pay in the process. I wish you all the best with your new freedom!

Big hugs,
Angela

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Deb,
I am so grateful that I have gotten to know you over the last few years. You approach work and life with such a passion and commitment. I learned a lot from you and the way you lead and engage with colleagues and clients. Thank you for the partnership and for the fun! Wishing you a lot of time to play more, dance more, and snuggle those grandkids more! Thank you for the incredible work you did at WestEd, and for all of the impacts you made in the field and for those we serve.
All my best,
Lenay

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Deb, wishing you a wonderful retirement  

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Deb, wishing you a wonderful retirement  

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Hi Deb,
All the best in your new adventures. How blessed you are to have had such an impactful career and now be able to spend more time with your family and your grandchildren.  Thank you for your guidance and leadership. My Best, Julie

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Deb, thank you for all of your amazing contributions to our team and for all of the extra time you always took to help me learn and grow. I wish you lots of happiness in retirement, especially loving on those two cute grand-babies! -Annette

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Deb,

Thank you for your strong leadership on the CACC and R15 CC, and for your partnership and collegiality as the CC and REL joined forces to serve our region.  The increased coordination and collaboration that you and Mary fostered over past several years between CC and REL has helped us serve our four SEAs more quickly and efficiently. And it was fun working with you too!

Best,

John Rice

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White Wine Drinking GIF by Follador Prosecco - Find & Share on GIPHY

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(Alt text: an image of Deb's face when she wakes up next Monday)

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Deb,
You are such an incredible person, and I'm so thankful that I've had the opportunity to work with, learn from, and laugh with you. I already miss you, especially when you would pop into my office (or in more recent days Zoom bomb) to share a new project or client update with raise eyebrows and a sly smile. You've touched many lives over the years and I'm grateful that I have been one of them. I am who I am today at WestEd because of your guidance. I wish for you... lunches that include wine, the joy of herding cats (real ones, not bureaucrats) and plants with your hubby, and of course many play dates with the littles.
All my best,
Jenn

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It's been wonderful working with you over the years. I'll miss your fabulous leadership!

-Barbara

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Actual footage of one of your grandkids when they hear you get to spend more time with them

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Deb,
It's been such a great opportunity to work with and learn from you! I hope you enjoy every moment of retirement and all the time you'll get to spend with those gorgeous grandbabies!!!
-Caitlin Beatson

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Dear Deb, I appreciate the wisdom, compassion and joy that you have brought to WestEd, and the grace in which you have led people and projects across WestEd. Wishing you joyful times ahead, particularly with your grandchildren! Nancy

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Deb,
Enjoy!
Niki

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Hello Deb,
I adapted John Denver's Leavin' on a Jet Plane just for you! I will share the audio recording with you. Enjoy every moment of the next chapter!
Niki

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Congratulations, Deb! I'm sure you are more than prepared to handle twin toddler grandkids. But if you ever need a break, don't forget us at R15! Thank you so much for your leadership.

Best wishes to you and your family,
Sylvia

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Deb,

So many great memories in what seemed like such a short time! It has been an honor and a pleasure to work for you and with you these past couple of years. Your empathy and sense of humor made many difficult situations easier. I am excited for your next adventure and wish you much happiness and many times of great joy! I look forward to continuing to keep in touch.

Best,

Kathy

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Deb,

Wishing you all the best retirement can bring. Your wise counsel, thoughtful leadership, sage advice and extraordinary collage making skills will be missed.  Thursday mornings will not be the same without you.

Thanks for everything!

A

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Deb,
I have learned so much from and with you over the years and you've been an incredible mentor, sounding board, thought partner, and friend. You've always pushed me and supported me and had my back in ways that really allowed me to grow professionally and personally. I'm going to be in withdrawal for a while, so if you could leave a Harry Potter-style talking portrait for me, that would be great, thanks! May you enjoy many Zoom free hours with your adorable grandsons and their very lucky parents. And I'll be hitting your one woman Sacramento Chamber of Commerce for trip ideas for Gus!
Love and best wishes,
Jess

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Deb: I remember the first time I worked with you - which was a BIE standards/assessment meeting with key BIE staff several years ago. I was so impressed with your incredible, deep knowledge - but more so - how you gently guided them with needed processes/next steps. You will be missed. Enjoy your well-earned retirement! Karen Butterfield :)

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Dear Deb,
You have been so integral in my time at WestEd; it's truly hard for me to imagine this organization without you! I have learned SO much from you in such a short time - about leadership, about assessment, about strategy, about relationships, about politics, and about myself! Thank you for all you have taught me, all you have modeled, all you have made possible. You are an outstanding leader who clearly cares about the growth and well-being of her colleagues - not to mention the students we all serve.

CONGRATULATIONS on your well-earned retirement. I hope you enjoy lots of wonderful time with your family, and get to savor having more time for hobbies, travel, relaxation, and whatever else you plan to do with all of your time once you finish getting through all the Medicare paperwork ;)

Keep in touch!
Molly

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Deb, wishing you much time away from the screen and with your grandbabies! I'll always remember how kind and warm you were when I first started and all our fun chats, like breaking up with hair dressers and fingerless gloves to keep warm while working. Best wishes on a much deserved retirement. ~Wendy

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Deb, wishing you much time away from the screen and with your grandbabies! I'll always remember how kind and warm you were when I first started and all our fun chats, like breaking up with hair dressers and fingerless gloves to keep warm while working. Best wishes on a much deserved retirement. ~Wendy

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Wishing you all the best as you begin this next fabulous adventure! I hope you thoroughly the retirement and time spent with grandbabies.

Thank you for sharing great professional opportunities, your perspective, and sense of humor.

Lisa Severino

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You’ve inspired me, motivated me, and encouraged me. You helped me forge a path and cheered me on. I so appreciate your guidance and council, your wit and wisdom. It takes a special person to make Redding and Fresno fun! Enjoy the road to retirement from the front seat of your 23-window VW bus.

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Double ditto to all of our colleagues' recollections of your exemplary career and list of stellar qualities. Now on to the future! In 1965, the Mommas and Papas gave the best direction for retirement:
You gotta go where you wanna go
Do what you what you wanna do
Have a great time deciding where, what and when. Retirement is good.
Karen K

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Deb, I am so happy for you and eager to hear what new adventures await you. Although we did not do much work together, since I joined WestEd your name would often come up and always related to great work you were doing and/or with admiration for your insights and brilliance. I am grateful that I got to witness all of this more personally and directly this past year. While I thought it impossible, what I have experienced personally in my recent work with you exceeded all the bona fides I had heard from others. Even in a short time, you helped me grow. Thank you for that. Congratulations again. I wish that for each day of your retirement you get to live your best life. :)

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Deb, you have been an inspiration to me for almost 20 years. You are truly a deep well of knowledge and expertise. I honestly don't know anyone who understands the intricacies of organizations and relationships that support education in our great state of California as well as you do. Your positive impact on schools in our state -- from setting high expectations to academic supports to counseling and well-being --  leave a lasting legacy!

Personally I will miss YOU. I love your firm determination, your empathy, and your sense of humor. Thank you for sharing that will ALL of us!

Enjoy this next phase and please stay in touch!
Catherine

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Deb~
Thank you so much for your thoughtful leadership. I am forever grateful to you for seeing in myself and others the things we cannot see and for always giving us space to bring our best selves forward. It goes without saying that you will be deeply missed. Wishing you all the best in the next phase of your journey.
~Tia

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Thank you for your leadership and impact!

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Thank you for your leadership and impact!

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Deb,
Ever since I came to WestEd, I have been impressed with the ethical, professional, and knowledgeable approach to work and relationships displayed by Everyone. And I see you as much as anyone as a weaver of that fabric that defines WestEd. You are intelligent, motivated, and a true leader. I often listened to you lead meetings and thought about how in sync you and Mary Peterson were in terms of knowledge and temperament, demeanor and communication.
I hope you look back with an immense sense of fulfillment on your work and your contributions. You have left an indelible fingerprint of your character on WestEd. Peace and GREAT LUCK to you in the future.
-Andrew Morrill

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Deb,
I hope this next chapter is an amazing adventure for you! It has been wonderful to work with you over the years. I will miss catching up with you whenever our paths cross. It was always so nice to run into you in the SF office. I hope you have a wonderful retirement full of lots of fun with your grandkids!
Best,
Markie

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Dear Deb,
Enjoy this new stage to the fullest. Wishing you much fun, time with loved ones, travel (farther than Monterey), and focusing on those things that you enjoy and value most.

I want to personally thank you for your many contributions to education and to the success and wellbeing of children, youth and adults in our states and within WestEd. You have been a wonderful mentor and partner and I have greatly valued your support.

Best wishes to you and see you soon,
Leslie

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One of Our Best!      Deb - congratulations on a remarkable career not only at WestEd but at the highest levels of CDE and of course at the school district. Few of us have made the impact that you have and we are so grateful for you being such a great colleague.     Paul Koehler                              

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One of Our Best!      Deb - congratulations on a remarkable career not only at WestEd but at the highest levels of CDE and of course at the school district. Few of us have made the impact that you have and we are so grateful for you being such a great colleague.     Paul Koehler                              

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Dear Deb! Take a BIG bow to a real standing ovation! You have had a wonderful career and I am so glad that I was blessed to enjoy a portion of it working with you. Thank you for all your guidance and your support. ENJOY your family!
BIG hug! Rose

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Congratulations, Deb, on such a distinguished and impactful career in education, and thank you for making the world a better place for our children and youth. I hope you'll enjoy doing everything you prefer to do in your well-deserved "preferment".
All the best,
Pam

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Deb--Thank you for being an amazing colleague and for all you have contributed to so many at WestEd and to the field of assessment! I loved having the opportunity to work with and learn from you as we developed the Blueprint and rolled out the D1 plan. I celebrate you as you reach this great milestone and wish you a ton of joy spending time with and nurturing your beautiful grandsons! You will be missed! Hugs, Susan Mundry

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Congratulations on your retirement. You've shared incalculable blessings for students across the US, and your laugh and brilliance will be greatly missed. Enjoy retirement and those amazing grandkids!
-Corey C. Cornett

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Deb, it's been a pleasure working with you all of these years (yes, back to our CDE days!). I hope that you have a fabulous retirement!

LeAnn Fong-Batkin

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Congratulations Deb, and thank you for all your kindness and tireless work! As happy as I am for you, I don't know a WestEd that doesn't have you here and I will miss knowing that you are an email away. I hope you will get lots of time to relax, enjoy yourself, and reflect on all the work you have done for California and for the CCs. And I will always appreciate how much you love Sacramento. Best wishes and enjoy your time with your grandbabes!
- Tiffany K.

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You have made an incredible contribution to the field. Thank you for all that you do for so many...and now those sweet twins will get more of your time! Congratulations, Deb. Kelsey

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I hope that this next adventure is the most wonderful of all! It has been a pleasure working with you. I truly wish I had the opportunity to work with you more. Enjoy just being grandma, it's a really cool role!

Always,

Liza Morris

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Deb,

Thank you for your many contributions to WestEd, writ large, and D1, in particular. May your next chapter be everything you desire!

Best wishes,
Ursula

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Congratulations on your retirement! During the short time I have known you, you have had a real impact on me as an advisor, supervisor and mentor. It is clear that you care about the work AND you truly care about those of us who are doing the work. It has been a privilege to work for and with you.
I wish you all the best as you spend your next chapter prioritizing you and your family.
Cheers!
Alicia

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It’s been an absolute honor and pleasure to work with you on various CC projects over the years. You constantly amaze me with your extensive content knowledge, masterful client interactions, and sophisticated demeanor.

Thank you for being an exceptional role model and leaving a lasting legacy at WestEd.

Happiness, Good Health, & Continued Success!

With admiration, Sheila

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It has been a pleasure to work with you and learn from your immense expertise. I wish you nothing but the best in retirement- I hope you take all the time you can to relax and enjoy those grandbabies! Congrats! ~ Jen Blitz

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Deb, Thank you for your leadership, guidance and friendship, not to mention your expertise and experience that we relied on in so many instances.  You deserve a real jeweled crown!
Enjoy every minute of your retirement!
Marie

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Deb's walk up song                       Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)

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Deb's walk up song                       Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)

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Deb, wishing you a fantastic retirement with as much fun as your walk up song before a presentation for a huge CDE Assessment Symposium. We've had such great adventures, to the capitol in a golf cart to lobby on a bill, had a Legislator drop our bill during the bill presentation, advocating for the HS Exit Exam in the Legislature and media... we've laughed, we've cried, and argued as colleagues and friends. Through it all, I've always had a deep respect and admiration for your work ethic, knowledge, experience and surprising sense of humor and pop culture. Enjoy your family and grandbabies, remember your daugher and son in law will appreciate Sunday dinners, date nights and weekend getaways without the kids!

With lots of love and respect, your favorite  friend, Lupita

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Deb, I'm bummed you're leaving WestEd--what a loss--but I'm thrilled that you're retiring for the best of all possible reasons. Enjoy every second with those beautiful grandsons!

By my calculations we've known each other for more than 20 years. I still can't quite figure out whether you view me with fondness tinged with irritation, or irritation tinged with fondness, but either way I've loved working with you over the years.

I have also learned a ton from you, and even though you'll be retired I still intend to track you down for advice whenever I get stuck on something. I am so grateful for your friendship and mentorship--you're the best!

Andy

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Dear Deb,

Congratulations on your retirement! I will miss you in so many ways, but I will especially miss how you approach tricky policy issues. When an initiative or piece of legislation is important and controversial, you run toward it, not from it. This is such a great model for staff! Thank you for your expertise, your focus on children and families, and your courage. Please visit often, and stay in touch!

E

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Deb,
Thank you for your R15 CC Leadership! I so appreciate the suggestions and support you provided the ELMES team two summers ago when we put together those webinars on distance learning with English Learners for CDE and CTA. Its was tough work, but I loved the collaboration. Thank you so much for creating that kind of culture. It lives on and I am so grateful. Wishing you (and your family) a wonderful next chapter of life!
My Best,
Martha

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Dear Deb,
Enjoy your retirement--you certainly have earned it! I've appreciated your leadership and support over the years and hope things will now stay calm with our favorite partner/client so you can truly take all the time off that you want.
Have fun with the grandkids!
--Rachel Lagunoff

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Deb, it has been a great privilege to collaborate with you at WestEd and experience the legacy you're leaving behind. We'll miss you dearly but I hope that tons and tons of family time, relaxation, and adventures are ahead in this next chapter. Thank you!
-Ryan Lewis

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Deb,

Although our paths didn’t cross while you worked at CDE, your experience there has been invaluable for our CC work! Your insights, thoughtfulness and wisdom about SEAs, assessment and leadership have greatly enhanced my work as well as our relationships with our SEA partners. I hope you have a wonderful retirement, full of fun, relaxation, and enjoyment of family - especially those wonderful grandchildren!!

Best wishes always,

Libby

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Deb,

It has been such a pleasure to work closely with you over the past many years. I have learned so much from you that have made me a better coordinator, manager, and person. I will miss you and your sense of humor, professionalism, and leadership. I hope you truly embrace retirement and enjoy your time as a grandparent. I know that we will keep in touch and we'll surly run into each other in foothills, probably at Apple Hill!

Scott

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Deb,
It has been a pleasure to work with you. I wish you all the very best in whatever life has in store for you in the next chapter...wishing you health, happiness, relaxation, adventure, and fun! Enjoy!
Sarah Barzee

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Dearest Deb,

I am so excited for you as you start this new journey. And, as you know, I am simultaneously very sorry for WestEd, and even more sorry for myself. You have been a mainstay for me – when you were on the Board and then when you joined WestEd. An advisor, critical friend, thought partner, strategist, problem solver, confidant – you have worn all those hats and many many more. As a friend and colleague, I could ask for no one more supportive, honest, principled, or dependable – not to mention you are a lot of fun!

Over the years, you have saved me more times than I can count. I “fondly” remember you intervening with Rich when we had the Arne Duncan-Michelle Rhee-Kevin Johnson event. And what about the St. Louis Smarter Balanced meeting? As I reminisce –  I don’t know if I should laugh, cry, or simply rejoice that I lived another day.

I remember your nomination last year for a Hood award. The nominator said that a hallmark of your career is your role as a “fixer.” You have never met an organizational, policy, or instructional challenge that you haven’t been willing to try and solve. You tackle every new challenge with a sense of humor, and a desire to see the people you’re leading succeed and have a positive impact.

You are leaving WestEd a more effective, more agile, more politically attuned organization than when you joined us.

Your legacy, especially in Region 15, but also in assessment, is deep and strong.

I will miss you, my friend.

Glen

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First birth of twin red pandas at the zoo in 29 years!

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It's twins!The Woodland Park Zoo announced that two sister red panda cubs were born last week for the first time in nearly three decades! The twin cubs are babies to their mumsie, Hazel, and their daddio, Yukiko.Red pandas AKA the lesser panda, the red bea

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Deb, I cannot thank you enough for cheering me on, giving me such sage advice, and having my back over these last few years.  I'm so grateful to you, and am glad we will stay connected.  (You can't get rid of me that easily!)

Best,
Natalie