Meet The Person:

Debby Kieffer. Domestic Engineer. Child Whisperer.

Debby has been involved in child care one way or another for over 30 years. Her job as a mom is what she has always wanted to do. Ever since she was a little girl, it is what she had dreamt of doing and feels very fortunate to have been able to live her dream. Now with grandkids and grandpets, she adores spending time with them as they give her great joy.

What excites Deb most about her professional life is when she is working with children and teaching them something new. She loves seeing the excitement on their face when they “get it” and has made a difference in that kid’s life. Debby also enjoys seeing kids out in public that she has had over the past and they remember her and are excited to see her. They then tell her a story from when she was watching them when they were younger and their parents tell her that ‘they still talk about you!’ Makes her feel like she did something good. The innocence of kids - how they can teach you just as much as you have them.

Personally, Debby loves to take care of her family. She enjoys vacationing with the family to the beach or other places, hanging out with friends and people who enjoy life and know how to laugh. She likes dogs (she keeps treats in her purse in case she runs into one while she is out!) She also enjoys Italian hoagies with oil, no mayonaise (I like mayo on my Italian hoagie - got a problem with that?!) strawberry Twizzlers, red wine and fresh flowers in the house. She is a big birthday person and loves to celebrate her own as it’s her special day and reminds her that she is lucky to have lived another year! She really enjoys cooking, entertaining and throwing a great party. She also likes to spend a Saturday or Sunday canoeing with her Husband Larry.

Deb is proud to have completed a few 5k’s and has committed to living a healthy lifestyle by eating well and exercising. She has aspirations to complete something longer than a 5k. Over the years she was involved in many volunteer positions while the kids were in school. She was a homeroom mom, lunchroom monitor, brownie leader and cookie mom, PTO president and treasurer, treasurer for the Pennridge Boys Lacrosse team and head cook for the 5th grade camping trip amongst many, many other roles.

Deb was head of the infant room while working in a daycare/pre-school, wrote an infant manual, and headed up various trainings for new employees.

She has been happily married for 33 years to an amazing man and has raised two kids who have turned into extraordinary adults that have been fortunate enough to also find extraordinary partners; something any parent could only wish for!

Deb loves life and the people who have chosen to be in this journey of hers - thank you!
 

Influence 47/52Debby Kieffer Deb in the kitchen preparing one of her great meals

Influence: 

Deb. Debby. Mrs. Kieffer. Mrs. K. Mom.

Any way you sling it, she’s the best! She is technically considered my mother-in-law but that’s just a title. She’s my Mom and I love her. Over 13 years ago, we met when I picked up Ashley to go out on a little date. Since then she has been such a big part of my life.

Deb and I are very alike. We are both Capricorns (birthdays a day apart) who like things structured, neat, and done in a timely fashion. Type A personality all the way. But what I love most about her is her attitude. She’s always happy. She’s always willing to do anything for you at any time. She spoils the hell out of you and she enjoys doing it. There aren’t many people like her. She’s a fantastic cook and entertainer. She really goes all out at even the smallest occasions.

It’s funny how true the old adage is about marrying someone. You really are marrying their mother, too. And in my case, there’s nothing wrong with that! I have the best relationship with my in-laws. There are so many people who don’t have a great relationship with their in-laws, which really is a shame. I don’t know any better. To me, the Kieffers are my family but they are also great friends. I enjoy hanging out with them whenever I can. Deb will always feed you with great food and Larry will have a beer in your hand at a moments notice. Can’t beat that!

Deb is also great with kids. She really is a child whisperer. She has been involved in some sort of child-care for most of her life. Her patience with children is amazing. She can seemingly turn off their crying and tantrums. I don’t know how she does it! And it’s amazing to see how many relationships she has gained over the years with those kids and the parents of those kids. She helped teenage moms raise their children, family friends, and strangers alike. To her, they are all special. She still maintains friendships with the families and the kids. They just love seeing her and its as if she is still a part of their life. As a teacher who sees kids come and go, it really is amazing to see the impact she has had on those kids. Kudos to her.

But to me, one of Debby’s best attributes is her caring. She is always asking how you are, what you are doing, how your day was, did you have fun, tell me about this, tell me about that. She cares so much about you and what you are doing in life. She remembers if you are doing something in the coming weeks or if you did something a few weeks ago. And she cares about what you are doing regardless of what it is. She’s just a sweetheart, plain and simple. She makes you feel important, even if you are just the average person.

When Ashley and I started dating over 13 years ago, I had no idea we would end up married and with the great families that we now have. The Kieffers are some of the nicest people I have ever been around and it’s even better knowing they are my parents. Debby has had such a great impact in my life and I love her to death. Thanks for being you Deb, I love you.