Meet Our Executive Management
Debra Saxton, President/Executive Director — Founding Director, Director through 12/2021

Once Debra finally listened to the constant call she heard to pursue a career as a healer, she was able to embrace — with passion — the kind of work that fueled her soul. That is when she discovered Healing Touch (HT) and the community that grew up around this nurturing therapy. Debra became active in the community, becoming a helper in classes, coordinating local HT classes for visiting instructors, but more importantly becoming a volunteer in the Healing Partners Program. "I can think of no greater honor than to provide free HT sessions to those facing significant life challenges," she said.
She first volunteered for the program in 2015 when it was under the direction of the Stanford Health Care Cancer Support Services. "I loved the program and what it offered to cancer patients," she noted. It was when Margot asked her to become a Founding Board Member for the same type of organization and program, but would be focused only on the Central Coast, that she said "yes" and became a founding Board member. She was thrilled to add her expertise and enthusiasm to ensure that the Healing Partners Program is available to cancer patients far into the future. Debra said she enjoys introducing those unfamiliar with it to energy therapy and increasing awareness of the support this kind of therapy provides.
Debra brings 15 years of experience in educational publishing. The hats she wore during her time in that industry included graphic design and production management, accounting and budgeting skills. She ended that career as Director of Operations for National Geographic School Publishing. It was the elimination of her position that propelled her into a career in healing. Debra's other career hats included writing articles and copy writing for local magazines, freelance graphic design and even running her own newspaper. Some of her creative pursuits included making jewelry. She feels her life-long pursuits have given her the necessary tools to help birth this organization and support its success as Executive Director.
Debra says, "Yes, I have worn many career hats over the years, but none of them has been as satisfying as my participation with this organization. I am committed to seeing it succeed and our services be available for many years to come."
She first volunteered for the program in 2015 when it was under the direction of the Stanford Health Care Cancer Support Services. "I loved the program and what it offered to cancer patients," she noted. It was when Margot asked her to become a Founding Board Member for the same type of organization and program, but would be focused only on the Central Coast, that she said "yes" and became a founding Board member. She was thrilled to add her expertise and enthusiasm to ensure that the Healing Partners Program is available to cancer patients far into the future. Debra said she enjoys introducing those unfamiliar with it to energy therapy and increasing awareness of the support this kind of therapy provides.
Debra brings 15 years of experience in educational publishing. The hats she wore during her time in that industry included graphic design and production management, accounting and budgeting skills. She ended that career as Director of Operations for National Geographic School Publishing. It was the elimination of her position that propelled her into a career in healing. Debra's other career hats included writing articles and copy writing for local magazines, freelance graphic design and even running her own newspaper. Some of her creative pursuits included making jewelry. She feels her life-long pursuits have given her the necessary tools to help birth this organization and support its success as Executive Director.
Debra says, "Yes, I have worn many career hats over the years, but none of them has been as satisfying as my participation with this organization. I am committed to seeing it succeed and our services be available for many years to come."
Teresa Holman, Development Director

As a senior at CSUMB emphasizing in Nonprofit Management, Teresa stumbled across a Healing Partners of the Central Coast job invitation one evening while working on a collaborative homework assignment. She knew she wanted to pursue a meaningful career in the nonprofit sector and the Director of Development position at HPCC came at an ideal time. Her study group said, “This position matches perfectly with your bubbly, outgoing, and social butterfly personality.” Teresa concurred after reading the HPCC website and said, “This is a mission and vision I can 100% get behind! I’m going to apply!” A few weeks later, Teresa was offered and accepted the position. She is currently the newest member of the HPCC Leadership Team and family.
Teresa has lived in Carmel for the last three years and jumped immediately into community service throughout the entire Tri-County area. She currently serves as a Board member with the Forest Theater Guild and Rotary Club Carmel-by-the Sea. She volunteers for the Carmel Valley Angel Project, Carmel Cares, and is a part of Leadership Carmel Alumni.
Teresa shares that it is her honor to promote the benefits of the Healing Partners Program to the Central Coast Community and looks forward to collaborating with her team to promote the message and mission of “Health, Healing, and Wholeness.”
Teresa has lived in Carmel for the last three years and jumped immediately into community service throughout the entire Tri-County area. She currently serves as a Board member with the Forest Theater Guild and Rotary Club Carmel-by-the Sea. She volunteers for the Carmel Valley Angel Project, Carmel Cares, and is a part of Leadership Carmel Alumni.
Teresa shares that it is her honor to promote the benefits of the Healing Partners Program to the Central Coast Community and looks forward to collaborating with her team to promote the message and mission of “Health, Healing, and Wholeness.”