About Deb Lavender Born and raised in New England, Deb went to college at Marquette University in Milwaukee where she graduated with a BS in Physical Therapy. Soon after graduation, Deb moved to St. Louis and has resided here for the past 27 years. Deb’s first job was with DePaul Hospital where she found her skills to be best suited for orthopedics. Over the years, she has experienced orthopedics in all areas: in-patient, out-patient, home health, and skilled facilities. Deb currently owns an outpatient clinic, Des Peres Physical Therapy, where she treats orthopedic and spinal injuries. Delivering real results, Deb has been recognized throughout the medical community.
Deb has been a small business owner for over ten years. In 2003 she started Des Peres Physical Therapy. As a small business owner she is aware of the issues that surround small business in today’s competitive corporate environment, increasing business taxes, raising health care costs and the growth and development of our communities. Deb joined the Kirkwood Area Chamber of Commerce in 2004 to participate in a group of people committed to their communities. Deb will work to improve small business policies affected by state government.
While treating her patients, Deb has encountered many problems with our current healthcare insurance system. She is critically aware of patients who come with ever increasing out of pocket co-pays and the denial of services. Many patients with healthcare do not have physical therapy services covered, and 47 million Americans no longer have any health care coverage. Healthcare is an important issue with Deb, and she will work to find solutions.
Four years ago, Deb had the great opportunity of having her eight year old nephew move in with her. Griffin is now 12 and started North Kirkwood Middle School this year. As a single parent, Deb understands the importance of Griffin’s education and school. She and Griffin are fortunate to live in Kirkwood where Kirkwood Schools offer a great public education. Deb wants every child to have the opportunity Griffin has and she will work for our children.
Deb has always been involved in community activities. While in Rotary, Deb created a project with the Baptist Children’s Home in Bridgeton. The Rotary Club finds families in need at Christmas, and then goes shopping with the children from the Children’s home to buy for the families in need. The project allows the children in the Baptist Children’s home to do for others. This is a positive experience for both the children, it gives them an opportunity to do for others, and for the receiving families. The Rotary Club has continued this project for more than 15 years.
After 9-11 Deb, as most American’s, was looking for a way to help New Yorkers. She created a project, Hugs and Kisses, which consisted of collecting more than 6300 holiday cards from people in the St. Louis area, and passing them out to people working and living in the area around Ground Zero on December 21, 2001.
In high school, Deb participated in Girls State; a program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and discovered an interest in politics. She has pursued politics over the past many years by becoming involved in local and state issues. Deb has participated in lobbying in Jefferson City, including PT Lobby Days and Women for Choice Lobby Days. Additionally, Deb served as an intern for State Representative Barbara Fraser (D-83) in 2006.
