Meet Debi Whelan
H.O.P.E. Gardens wouldn’t be what it is today without the dedication and heart of Program Administrator Debi Whelan. Debi has been part of H.O.P.E. Gardens since the very beginning—long before there were fences, classrooms, and greenhouses. She remembers sitting at her kitchen table when Julie first shared the idea of growing beautiful gardens and inviting people into them. From that moment, she was on board. Debi served as a founding board member with her husband John, and volunteer, officially joining the staff in 2018
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What inspired Debi to step into this work was Julie’s infectious passion for bringing help and healing to people through gardening. That same passion continues to drive her today as she supports the programs, people, and partnerships that make H.O.P.E. Gardens flourish.
Before joining H.O.P.E. Gardens, Debi and her husband ran a rustic lodge-style retail store in downtown Holland, Michigan, for ten years, selling log furniture and cabin-inspired décor. She also has a background in education—after graduating from GVSU, she taught in public schools before deciding to homeschool her own children. While she didn’t arrive with formal gardening certifications, she brought cherished memories of helping on her grandma’s farm, a deep love for learning, and a commitment to community.
When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Debi doesn’t hesitate: it’s the people. She loves working alongside her best friend and is continually inspired by the “amazing staff” that makes up the H.O.P.E. Gardens team.
Outside of work, Debi has a creative streak—she enjoys acrylic painting and decorating and often imagines how life might have unfolded if she had pursued a career in interior design. Her days off are spent with her grandkids whenever possible or running errands with her husband, always with joy in the everyday moments.
Debi’s best piece of gardening advice is simple but essential: don’t forget to water. As for her favorite harvest, she admits it’s nearly impossible to choose. She and her husband love planning meals around whatever produce is in season, but if they had to pick one, it would be tomatoes. In their home, fresh tomatoes are an everyday side dish no matter what’s for dinner.
