Associate Deborah Perez came to know the Viatorians at her parish, St. Viator Catholic Community, which she and her husband, Romeo, joined upon moving to Las Vegas from Texas. They both became involved as volunteers in the church and school, bringing their respective backgrounds to the parish. Both entered discernment and formation with the Viatorians and went on to make their first commitments as associates in 2017.
Born and raised in Texas, Deborah earned her Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas-Pan American, now know as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and a Master’s of Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Associate Deborah Perez with students from Cristo Rey St. Viator.
Romeo is an attorney, and she worked as office manager for the law practice for more than 14 years before switching gears for a bit. She was a kindergarten teacher at St. Viator Parish School, and then she was the first Director of the Corporate Work Study program at Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory High School in North Las Vegas.
This corporate work experience distinguishes Cristo Rey St. Viator from other private schools. Working one day a week, students get to apply what they are learning and make connections to the world of work. They also develop professional relationships that encourage success in college and throughout their lives. It truly is “the school that works,” and Associate Deborah Perez plays a big part in its success.
Deborah shifted back to working with Romeo in the law office, and she continues actively serving in volunteer ministry at the parish, where she partners with Associate Rosy Hartz on a number of things, including youth leadership formation.
Deborah with her son Romeo Jr., her daughter Rylie, and her husband Romeo, who is also an associate.
More on Deborah from Viatorians.com:
- Viatorians in Las Vegas (Viatorian Voices podcast appearance – 2025): Deborah and her husband and fellow associate, Romeo, discussed their move to Las Vegas in the early 2000s and the increasing involvement they’ve taken on in the community life of the Viatorians and the Church.
- Viator Youth Enjoyed Time with Jesus and Each Other (2025): Deborah helped chaperone the parish trip to LA Youth Day.
- Another Successful St. Viator Foundation Dinner (2024): Deborah and Romeo were honored by the St. Viator Parish School Foundation.
- Associates’ Children Embrace People Accounted of Little Importance (2022): Deborah and Romeo’s children each received major awards in scouting for their outstanding community service projects.
- A VIatorian Cristo Rey Education (Viatorian Voices podcast appearance – 2022): While service as CRSV CWSP Director, Deborah and then-principal Melissa Gruenhagen discussed the student academic and extracurricular experience at CRSV.
- This Student Wrote to Say Thank You (2021): Deborah helped chaperone a trip for Las Vegas teens to NCYC in Indianapolis, and a student wrote to the Viatorian Provincial Council to say thank you for financial assistance that made it possible.
- Advancing the Corporate Work Study Program (2021): Deborah was busy at work, all throughout her time at CRSV, engaging new and current corporate work study program partners.
- Viatorians in Las Vegas Drawing National Attention (2019): Working with Associates Rosy Hartz and Anthony Gugino and parishioner Mike Kershaw, Deborah played a leadership role in Just5Days service experiences for Catholic youth.
- Viatorian Community Continues to Grow (2017): Deborah initially committed to association alongside Romeo and a larger group of folks at a ceremony in 2017.
- Saint Viator Students Help Provide Meals for At-Risk Youth (2016): Deborah played a big role in this parish school program that helped people experiencing need receive good meals.