Debbi Harris, M.S., M.A., GCAS-Creative Writing/Narrative Medicine

Systems Specialist

When Debbi and Victor Harris’ son Joshua was born prematurely, subsequently experiencing lifelong complex medical needs and disabilities, the family learned to embrace a new normal—one that includes Josh in every aspect of life, valuing his unique contributions to the world.

Along her journey to become the best advocate possible for Josh and her family, Debbi has served on the board of The Arc Minnesota, becoming its first African American woman board chair, represented families on the bioethics committees of Children’s Hospital of Minnesota and Gillette Children’s Specialty Center, and worked with the Committee on Diversity for The Arc US. She serves on the Workers Advisory Group (WAG) for Paid Leave for All, is a parent leader with the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Research Network, and is a member of the QI Transition Team at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, among other endeavors. Debbi is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking and, because of that enriching experience, she has volunteered to promote inclusion, community integration and human rights for persons with disabilities and complex health care needs for over 20 years.  Debbi has testified at legislative hearings, hosted home visits for state legislators and public officials, and met with many members of Congress—fueled by a desire to make the world a much more inclusive place for children with complex medical needs and their families.

Debbi has an M.S. in Health Science Administration, and an M.A. in English and Creative Writing, with a concentration in Nonfiction, Narrative Medicine. She has contributed to various publications, including Today’s Caregiver, Existere Journal of Arts & Literature, Kaleidoscope Magazine, a literary journal about disability, at Salon.com, and JAMA Pediatrics.

Debbi will work on several special projects with Family Voices of MN, including partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Health, the Collaborative for Improvement and Innovation Network (CoIIN), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, and others.

Debbi loves music and plays classical flute to unwind.Through faith and the inspiration of Josh’s tenacity, Debbi has learned how to make the best of a joyful yet challenging life—twenty minutes at a time.