Debbie Fitch, Chef Manager, Origins Recovery Centers on South Padre Island, TX

Debbie Fitch is the Chef Manager at Origins in South Padre Island and oversees the food service department. In addition to supervising the kitchen staff, Debbie works to create the menus and consults closely with our dietitian to customize a nutritious meal plan for our patients. Debbie came to Origins a little over three years ago and brought an extensive background in managing and overseeing food service operations in hotels, resorts, restaurants and catering.

What brought you to Origins?

I was a Food and Beverage Director working long hours and missing time with my son at a job that I felt wasn’t truly rewarding. It was just a job for me to support my son. I didn’t really want to work somewhere working those long hours where I wasn’t making a positive difference in the lives of others. I myself am a recovered addict going on 17 years of sobriety so when I saw the position for a Chef Manager at Origins I knew that that was where I wanted to be, where I was meant to be.

If there was only one thing you could tell us about working within your specialty area, what would it be?

I believe that nutrition plays a major part in the healing process. To nourish the body damaged by alcohol or substance abuse is very important. One of the things I love about my job is being able to see the transformation from when someone comes in malnourished and then leave looking so healthy and happy. Seeing the clients come in to the kitchen and hug the staff and thank them for all that they have done for them is so incredibly rewarding.

What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?

That happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give back. That when we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you spend time with family? Do you have any pets or engage in special hobbies?

I am a proud and single mom of an amazing 8 year old boy, Neven, so his hobbies are my hobbies. There is a lot of Lego building, video gaming, hunting Pokémon and sword fighting. We love to read and our all-time favorite is none other than Captain Underpants of course. God has blessed me with not only my wonderful little boy but with such an amazing family. They have all taught and shown me what unconditional love truly is. My mom, brother and 2 sisters are my very best friends. I was a huge Daddy’s girl and he was my one and only hero and is now my Guardian Angel. God has truly blessed my life with not only my family, but with such a wonderful and rewarding job surrounded by so many amazing people who I consider my family as well!