Debra Ann Ray
Deborah Ray is a dedicated educator and career coach based in Rosenberg, Texas. She currently teaches 6th-grade science at Fort Bend Independent School District while also serving as a career coach for ClimbHire. Deborah’s passion for teaching began in childhood when she lined up her teddy bears to “teach,” and was later inspired by her middle school assistant teacher, Mrs. Kim, whose genuine connection with students showed her the transformative power of education.
Deborah’s professional journey began as a medical assistant, a role she held for five years, before transitioning into instruction at Wharton Junior College. Her work in adult education led her naturally into public education and middle-school teaching. She recently earned her teaching certification and is in the final year of her Master’s in Counseling for Marriage, Family, and Therapy at Houston Christian University. Across her roles, Deborah has developed a specialty in coaching, medical assistant training, and empowering students and adults alike to reach their potential.
Deborah’s philosophy is rooted in compassion, resilience, and belief in the potential of every learner. She draws inspiration from personal experiences, including her sister’s challenges in education, to ensure her students and clients are met with encouragement, opportunity, and hope. Beyond her classroom and coaching work, she actively supports philanthropic initiatives such as pregnancy centers, women’s business ventures, and community donations.
• Teaching Certification
• Grand Canyon University – Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health Science
• Houston Christian University – Master’s in Counseling for Marriage, Family, and Therapy (final year, in progress)
• Remington College – Medical Assistant Diploma
• Influential Women 2026
• National Honor Society
• Co-founder/partner in Southern Health Touch (training-focused venture seeking TWC certification)
• Compassion (donations)
• Pregnancy centers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mindset about pressure and growth. I focus every day on becoming the best version of myself while showing others the process of becoming that best version. I see pressure not as something that makes me want to give up, but as an opportunity to grow, perfect myself, and be molded. Part of my resilience comes from witnessing my sister’s experience when a teacher told her to quit school after getting pregnant at 16. She was a straight-A student, and seeing her drop out because of one discouraging teacher shaped who I am today. That experience inspired me to become a teacher who speaks life into students and helps them see their potential.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always keep God first and the one you trust the most for plans.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find someone who had walked it out and learn from them
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include overworked and under-recognized teachers, as well as the negative impact on students when teachers fail to encourage them. Opportunities lie in building community-centered programs—such as affordable family memberships offering tutoring, counseling, and financial literacy—and coaching adults to succeed in interviews and career placements.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, empathy, resilience, belief in people’s potential, community service, and speaking life into others.
Locations
ClimbHire
Rosenberg, TX 77471