Debbie Carter-Dye
About the Founder & Director
Debbie Carter-Dye was born in Chicago, Illinois but grew up in Mound Bayou, Mississippi and East St. Louis, Illinois. She graduated from Lincoln High School located in E. St. Louis. Carter-Dye received her undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University, her masters from Mercer University, and her specialist degree from Piedmont. She is currently completing her nutrition certification. She is entering her 20th year as a classroom teacher and has spent 20 plus years volunteering her time to help students become active and productive citizens.
Mrs. Carter-Dye began her teaching career in Omaha, Nebraska. She later returned to the E. St. Louis metro area to teach in the St. Louis Public school district. In 1997 she received the “Whatever It Takes” award for providing a safe haven for homeless students and going above and beyond the call of duty.
Five years later, Carter-Dye would move to Georgia and began a teaching career in Roswell. It was at Roswell North Elementary that she would implement her warriors program and volunteer her time to instruct students after school and direct an annual variety show. In 2004, Carter-Dye was voted “Teacher of the Year”.
Debbie Carter-Dye currently resides in North Georgia. She teaches 7th grade social studies in Dahlonega. It was in Lumpkin County that Carter-Dye decided to change her K.I.S.S. Club from a performing arts club to a fitness and nutrition club. Carter-Dye was voted “Teacher of the Year” for the 2012-2013 school year.
In 2011, Debbie Carter-Dye vowed to help Michelle Obama in her fight against childhood obesity. She has dedicated her life to helping students stay fit mentally and physically. And she is off to a great start! Her after school fitness club has received national recognition. They have appeared on Fox News, Channel One News (the national news for elementary and middle school students, Dr. Oz Show, and CBS Public Affairs with Adam Murphy). In 2015, Debbie Carter-Dye received the “Community Champion” award from WBSTV and the “Woman of Impact” from the Off the Field Wives Association.
She is married to Kendrick Dye, a retired marine, and has a wonderful 10-year-old daughter named Rusty.