Debra Mercer, Patient Care Coordinator
I have spent most of my life growing up in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. My dad loved taking spontaneous road trips to explore when I was younger, which only deepened my love for this area. Early in my career, I focused on raising my four wonderful children. While I wasn’t initially pursuing a career aligned with my degree, I used my knowledge to teach those around me how to make small changes that would improve their lives. It’s the small steps that matter and lead to significant change.
My mom was a big inspiration in teaching me from an early age to be mindful of reading labels on food and products. After battling my own health issues with doctors, I gained a greater appreciation for medical professionals who genuinely care and want to understand what the body is telling us when something is wrong. The body truly is a balance of mind, body, and spirit—and all three are important.
My previous work experience has helped me better understand our community and how I can serve it. I earned a BS in Health and Wellness Promotion from UNCA while raising my children. I’m grateful for the opportunity to join a team that is just as passionate about helping others as I am.
I spend my weekends staying active with my kids. My youngest plays travel basketball and participates in other school sports. We enjoy being outdoors, whether exploring lakes on paddleboards or hiking to new waterfalls in our beautiful mountains with our dog. I also serve as the secretary for the Highlands Sports Car Club, where I participate in autocrossing (car racing). My racing career began at age 12 with go-kart racing. Despite the demands of being a busy mom, I make it a priority to schedule gym time to take care of my body. I attend a local church and feel truly blessed to witness God’s work in my own life and in the lives of those around me.