Celebrating Debbie Brockman: A Career Dedicated to Advocacy and Healing

On July 17th, Comprehensive Healthcare and Aspen Victims Services will say farewell to a remarkable leader, advocate, and colleague, as Debbie Brockman retires after more than three decades of service, including eight years as Program Manager for Aspen Victim Advocacy Services.

Debbie’s commitment to ending gender-based violence began in 1994 and has guided her entire professional career. A graduate of Western Washington University with degrees in Psychology and Sociology, she first discovered her passion for victim advocacy while working with WomenCare, a domestic violence program in Bellingham. She later spent more than 20 years with the YWCA ALIVE Program (Alternatives to Living in a Violent Environment) in Kitsap County before relocating to Yakima in 2018 to be closer to family and her grandchildren. That same year, she joined Comprehensive Healthcare as Program Manager for Aspen Victim Advocacy Services, bringing her extensive experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to supporting survivors of violence.

Throughout her career, Debbie has been a respected voice in the advocacy community, providing trainings across Washington State and serving on numerous professional boards, including the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Kitsap County Domestic Violence Task Force, and the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. Yet despite her many professional accomplishments, Debbie says some of her favorite memories are the moments shared with her Aspen team.

“Some of my fondest memories have been with my Aspen team,” says Debbie. “We have celebrated birthdays, Christmas parties and Secret Santas, citizenship celebrations, graduations, the birth of a baby, and more. We laughed and cried together, and I will carry many special memories with me.”

Debbie’s work has centered on supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, helping survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence find safety, healing, and hope. While advocacy work can be emotionally demanding, she says the rewards have been immeasurable.

“Being even a small part of helping someone recognize and develop their own strength is extremely rewarding,” Debbie shared. “I have seen so many women who have been able to move beyond the violence and go on to live happy and healthy lives.”

Her passion for advocacy extends beyond the individuals she serves, it includes the colleagues she works with. Debbie describes advocates as “her kind of people”, compassionate, caring individuals who support one another while helping others navigate some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Under her leadership, Aspen has continued to provide critical services to survivors throughout the region while fostering a culture of teamwork, resilience, and compassion.

As she prepares for retirement, Debbie says she will miss helping people realize their worth and witnessing the transformation that occurs when someone discovers their own strength and potential. She also leaves behind words of encouragement for the many trauma stewards across Comprehensive Healthcare.

“Comprehensive Healthcare is full of trauma stewards who are supporting others through their healing journey,” Debbie said. “Don’t forget to show yourself the same kindness and compassion you so freely give others.”

Debbie asked to express her gratitude to the many colleagues who made her time at Comprehensive Healthcare so meaningful, including her Aspen Yakima team, naming Mariela, Morelia, Caroline, Jackie, and Yovana. “You guys are amazing and I know you will continue to do great work”, says Debbie. “I’d like to thank Chris Moore and the entire ASK (Aspen, Sunnyside, & Kittitas) leadership team for their continuous support and encouragement adds Debbie, we really came together as a team as we navigated the loss of our dear friend and coworker, Dawn Brumfield. Lastly, I’d also like to mention Nicole Southard, Greg Aubol, and Ron Gengler – All past employees who really had a positive impact on my time here. Aspen is primarily a grant-funded program, and I can’t leave without thanking Dan Ladd and Kelly Sales for the many ways they have made my life easier.”

On behalf of Comprehensive Healthcare and Aspen Victims Services, we thank you Debbie, for your 32 years of dedication to victim advocacy and for the lasting impact you have made on survivors, colleagues, and communities across Washington State. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement and the next chapter ahead.

Here are some of Debbie’s colleagues who wished to share some parting words: 

As we celebrate Debbie’s retirement, we honor a remarkable career defined by compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication. She has spent her career supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence with fierce advocacy, always meeting each challenge with grace, a steady smile, and never a complaint. Her presence has been a source of comfort, resilience, and hope to so many.

Debbie was a steadfast pillar for our teams during one of our most difficult times, the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dawn Brumfield, offering quiet strength and support when we needed it most.

Debbie’s impact is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to live on through the lives she has touched. She will be deeply missed, and we are forever grateful for all she has given.

Meaghan Lincoln, WISe Program Manager & Therapist

What has always stood out to me is how naturally she makes people feel valued. Whether it is taking a few extra minutes to check in, offering encouragement after a hard day, or stepping in to help when someone is overwhelmed, she consistently shows her team (and her leadership colleagues) that they matter. She has a way of validating people without minimizing the challenges they are facing. You always know she is listening, and you always know she cares. That kind of support can’t be taught, and it’s one of the reasons so many people feel comfortable coming to her. ASPEN has benefited from her leadership, but more importantly, from her heart. The genuine care she has for both her team and the people we serve is evident in everything she does. Her impact will continue long after her retirement because of the way she invested in the people around her.

Ali Corbett, Clinical supervisor

To define an advocate is to define an individual to speak on behalf of, supports, and represents another when they are unable to do so for themselves. 

To define a leader is to define someone who guides, inspires, and empowers others to achieve their goals.

To define a mentor is to define someone you trust that creates a safe space to encourage growth both personally and professionally.

To define a friend is to define a relationship built with an individual based on mutual respect, trust and the creation of a safe space and emotional support without judgement.

To know Debbie Brockman, is to experience an individual who is all of these and more. Debbie has spent her entire career selflessly serving others, pouring her heart and soul into her work, the clients she serves, the people she works with, and the employees that she supports. There isn’t an individual that I have come across that knows Debbie who doesn’t love and appreciate her and what she has done, not only for this agency, but for this field. As she enters her well-deserved retirement era, she leaves a long-lasting mark on this field of work we call advocacy, the clients we serve, and those who continue to do the work that she is so passionate about. 

Samantha Warner, Program Manager, Aspen Victims Services

Debbie has always been advocating for survivors and has guided advocates in their role. No matter how bleak or tough a situation is, she would be the calmest person in the room with an empathetic heart. I can tell you Debbie will be missed not only by both Aspen Teams, but the countless survivors who she has worked with for years. She knows that stepping away from the field is not quitting the work, rather a changing of guard that allows for others to continue advocating for survivors. Her help when Dawn passed away was a glimmer of hope in the hardest times I have experienced in the last 6 years. I am thankful to have worked with her, she inspires me to be a better advocate everyday.  

Manuel Cintron, Shelter Advocate, Aspen Victim Services

Although, I only had the opportunity to work with Debbie for a few months, I have nothing but positive things to say about her. She is an amazing person with a big heart. She stepped up and helped Aspen in Kittitas when it was needed the most, always walking in with her pink hair and a big smile on her face.

Debbie is the definition of someone who lights up every room she enters. Thank you, Debbie, for all your hard work and dedication. Everyone at Aspen truly appreciates you. 

Wishing you a happy and well-deserved retirement!

Mireya Flores, Advocate, Aspen Victim Services

Debbie has dedicated her career to creating safe, supportive, and empowering spaces for survivors of violence, including survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence. Whether through leading a successful advocacy program, training and supporting volunteers and staff, or providing direct services, Debbie’s work has consistently centered on dignity, healing, and hope.

Earlier this year, Debbie served as a guest speaker for a class of bachelor-level social work students. In just one hour, she inspired several students to consider advocacy as a career path, while helping others better understand the critical need for these services in the community.

Her passion and commitment have helped shape a generation of advocates and strengthened partnerships across the community. Debbie’s work has had, and will continue to have, a transformational impact on survivors, service providers, and the broader community.

Chris Moore, Director of Kittitas County and Lower Valley Services

Debbie exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities. She consistently demonstrates a calm, assured, and ethical approach in guiding her team, educating stakeholders on victim advocacy, and fostering leadership development within her team. It was a privilege to collaborate with Debbie as a member of the ASK leadership team. Her capabilities were particularly evident in the year preceding her retirement, during which she successfully managed accreditation audits for both the Kittitas and Yakima teams and provided supervision for both teams when her colleague, Dawn Brumfield, was unfortunately unable to continue due to a terminal illness. I wish Debbie the very best in her well-earned and deserved retirement.

Greg Abol, Retired Director of Kittitas County and Lower Valley Services