Debbie was born in the breathtaking and historic Mohawk Valley region of upstate New York.  Debbie and her brother learned to endure the long winters and marvel at the radical change of seasons.  After graduating from Mohawk Valley Community College in 1973, Debbie headed off for Texas, to finish her education and begin a new adventure.  Her next challenge was to learn to endure the long, hot summers!

Though a math major, Debbie accepted a position at a bank and quickly became the accounting manager.  That profession seemed to "stick" and she remained in that field for the next 25 years.

God, however, had different plans for Debbie.  As she reflects upon her calling, Debbie will be quick to tell you that this was a life-long calling; she just took a "slight" detour along the way.

In 1995, her theological studies began in earnest, and she graduated with a Masters of Divinity in May 2001 from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

First Presbyterian Church is Debbie's first call as Pastor; the congregation officially extended the call in November 2001.  Debbie is active in community organizations; is frequently asked to lead workshops; and enjoys participating in larger-church activities.

Debbie is married to Russell Cenko, and they have two children, Michael and Katie.  Debbie is quick to point out that Russ is truly her partner in ministry, and a great critic of her sermons!

When asked what her favorite Bible passage is, without hesitation she replies that it is Romans 8:38-39, and has it prominently displayed in her office: "For I am CONVINCED that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor ANYTHING ELSE in ALL creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Cenko on this passage:  "It brings hope to the hopeless.  It points to our source of love and life and light.  It is unequivocal in its language.  Nothing is bad enough.  For that matter, nothing is good enough - to separate us from that marvelous love that is ours simply because God desires it.  I have needed this passage in the dark points of my life.  And God breaks into MY reality, and the hope is restored.  Thanks be to God!"