Debbie Sayles M.Ed.
With decades of advocacy, integrity, and problem-solving, I have dedicated my life to changing lives, first in education and now in real estate by serving others with compassion, commitment, and purpose.
"Whether in education or real estate, my work has always been about guiding people through life's most important transitions."
Debbie Sayles is a lifelong, trusted community advocate whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, integrity, and human connection. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Boston College with two Master's degrees, Debbie dedicated 34 years to the Newton Public Schools as a special education teacher, where she became known for her integrity, patience, and unwavering commitment to students and families. Specializing in reading instruction, Debbie directly impacted the lives of hundreds of children, helping many learn to read and build confidence that shaped their academic futures. Her work earned the lasting respect of parents, educators, and administrators through the Newton and Chestnut Hill communities.
Known for her patience, intelligence, warmth, and unwavering integrity, Debbie built a career advocating for students and families - seamlessly translated into her second professional chapter. Licensed in real estate in 1987, Debbie's transition into the field was a natural extension of her advocacy and driven career. She is widely regarded as a trusted advisor, known for her keen listening skills, navigating complex decisions, and representing buyers and sellers with intelligence, empathy, and resolve. Her clients trust her not only for her market knowledge but for her steady guidance during pivotal life moments. She is a professional who understands that real estate is ultimately about people, not transactions.
A former model and dancer, Debbie brings confidence, discipline, and presence to every chapter of her life. She maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys fitness, nutrition, travel, reading, painting, horseback riding, and writing her memoir. Deeply devoted to animals, she shares her life with two Australian Cobberdogs, one of whom is a certified therapy dog. Together, they visit schools, colleges, and nursing homes, reducing student stress, offering comfort, and creating moments of meaningful connection.
Married and residing in Waban, Massachusetts, Debbie Sayles continues to lead with heart, clarity, compassion, and purpose - demonstrating that true influence is built through service, trust, and the power of listening.
• My credentials are built on experience, impact, and trust. I spent thirty-four years as a special education teacher, advocating, changing the lives of hundreds
of children and their families through dedication. I am also a licensed real estate professional, originally licensed in 1987, and reactivated during Covid, bringing decades of advocacy, negotiation skills, and lifelong learning into every client relationship. My career reflects a consistent commitment to service, ethical leadership, and helping others navigate important life transitions.
• Master's in Creative Arts and Learning - Lesley University
• Master’s in Educational Technology - Framingham State University
• Harvard Graduate School of Education
• B.A. Magna Cum Laude - Boston College
• Recognized by Newton Public Schools for Outstanding Service and Dedication
• Massachusetts Teachers Assocation (MTA)
• National Association of Realtors (NAR)
• Greater Boston Association of Realtors (GBAR)
• Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR)
• Therapy Dog International
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to changing the lives of hundreds of children, maintaining lifelong connections with former students and their families, and continually learning while embracing new challenges - all with the goal of positively impacting lives. I attribute my success to also listening deeply, advocating fiercely, and leading with integrity and transparency for all of my clients.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was to always listen first, advocate for those who need support, and lead with integrity. Treat everyone with respect, show up consistently, exhibit patience and understanding of all people. Respect, trust, and transparency is the best advice I got, and provide the same to others. Focus on continual learning, embrace new challenges, and never stop growing.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to pursue your passions with dedication and patience. Listen carefully, advocate fearlessly, and lead with integrity. Success comes from hard work, respect for others, and kindness—there are no shortcuts, and putting in the effort at every step will help you achieve your goals. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Never let setbacks deter you. You must persist and lead with confidence, which will open doors and build lasting influence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in real estate is guiding clients through complex transactions while managing their emotions and expectations. To ensure the best outcome, it requires patience, listening, and problem-solving. The real estate field is extremely competitive, therefore you need to exhibit confidence, knowledge of the market, maintain visibility and effective marketing.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
VALUES IN WORK
Integrity - Always doing the right thing for students, families and clients
Advocacy - Always supporting and standing up for the needs of the clients I serve
Patience - Understanding that growth, learning and complex decisions take time
Empathy and Compassion - Connecting with people, understanding their feelings and where they're coming from, and supporting them 100%
Excellence and Accountability - Holding yourself to high standards at all times
Lifelong Learning - The importance of continually learning new skills and gaining knowledge to help better serve my clients
VALUES IN PERSONAL LIFE
Integrity and Honesty - Being true to yourself and modeling strong, positive values for students, parents, clients, friends, family
Kindness - Volunteering in the community, help those that are less fortunate, therapy dog work to help students de-stress during exams, provide comfort and support to students, elderly and people going through difficult times.
Connection and Relationships - Maintaining lifelong bonds with friends, former students and parents, families, and colleagues