Debra Collins is a home town girl who has enjoyed living in the Hayward/Castro Valley area. She earned her college degrees from Chabot College and Cal State, East Bay where she majored in fine art. She taught high school art at James Logan High School specializing in drawing and digital media. After 36 years she retired to focus on her own art. In 2019 Debra won a commission from the Bay Ecotarium and Aquarium of the Bay to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the arrival of the world-famous sea lions at PIER 39 . In 2020 one of her papercuts was on display in the De Young Museum's Open show. She is currently a board member of the Sun Gallery, secretary of the Diablo/Alameda branch of the National League of American Pen Women, and board member the Guild of American Papercutters.