Debra M. Sellers
Title/Academic Rank:
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist in Adult Development & Aging, School of Family Studies and Human Services, K-State Research & Extension
Departments & Academic Units:
Contact Info:
343L Justin Hall
(785) 532-1939
Areas of Specialization:
- Family Caregiving
- Aging in place
- Alternative interventions for individuals with dementia-related behaviors
- Grandparental & Intergenerational relationships
Education:
- Ph.D. in Life Span Human Development, emphasis in Gerontology, Kansas State University (2004)
- B.A., M.S., University of Florida (1988, 1993)
Short Biography:
Dr. Debra Sellers is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Adult Development & Aging, School of Family Studies and Human Services, K-State Research and Extension. Her primary areas of interest include outcomes of intergenerational relationships, the effects of alternative interventions for elders with dementia-related behaviors, barriers to aging in place and family caregiving.
As an instructor and coordinator of the gerontology program at Oregon State University-Cascades, she taught upper division courses in human development and gerontology and worked with community members on aging issues. She has 18 years of clinical experience serving elders in a variety of settings, including acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement communities and government agencies. Her positions varied from case manager to director of social services to corporate consultant. She is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and has qualified as a facility dog team (animal assisted therapy) through Canine Companions for Independence.
Sitting on the front porch and watching the sun set with her husband is a favorite way to spend time. She also enjoys horseback riding, gardening, jogging, and volunteering weekly at a skilled nursing facility with her dog, Jeb. She is a member of the Canine Companions for Independence Champions Club, her local Lions Club, and was voted as one of her city’s most admired people in 2001 (Manhattan, KS).
Debra received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from the University of Florida and her Ph.D. in Lifespan Human Development with an emphasis in Gerontology from Kansas State University.