"From Troubled Teen to Teacher of the Year" read the headline when Dr. Debra Peppers was inducted into the National Teachers’ Hall of Fame where only five outstanding teachers annually are selected nationally for this honor. Before Christ, as a troubled teen, Debra was a 250-lb. high school dropout who experimented with alcohol and drugs, ran away from home, attempted suicide and could have "fallen through the cracks." But with the love of her parents, the encouragement of a special teacher, and her eventual faith in Christ, her life was turned around radically. Having lost 100 pounds, then receiving a BA in English, an MA in Education and a Ph.D. in Communication, Dr. Peppers now inspires audiences all over the world. Having traveled in all 50 states and 60 countries, Debra loves to share her faith as she incorporates her own personal story of how by surrendering to God’s plan for her life, He allowed her to become an award-winning educator, author, speaker, university instructor and ten year host of a daily 3-hour Christian radio program in St. Louis. She now has a mission　to spread God's Word through the ministry formed with her husband of 35 years, Bud Peppers, Salt and Light Ministry. Their mission is to comfort those who hurt, and to supply the needs of those who are struggling.

For two years Dr. Peppers has been the weekly host of The Outreach Connection on WTJR TV, Channel 16 in the Quad State area out of Quincy IL. She also co-hosts with Mike Dunn on KJSL's Quest for Character at 8PM Tuesdays when she is not traveling. As both a secular and Christian professional speaker Dr. Peppers travels nationally and internationally speaking to thousands of churches, schools, businesses, and community organizations, from a one room school in Africa to key-noting at the Crystal Cathedral. Debra is grateful that her Savior, Jesus Christ, gave her the 2 Corinthians 5:17 new life so she can now share though speaking, missions work, prison ministry and as a part of the Prayer Force at Twin Rivers Worship Center in St. Louis, MO.