Faculty & Staff Directory

Deborah is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in developing and implementing innovative strategies, programs, and services in education and healthcare. She specializes in creating and operationalizing digital, virtual, and evidence-based coaching models to enhance outcomes, access, and scalability. Known for her systemic and change-focused approach, Deborah excels in complex environments, fostering collaboration and innovation. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, the outdoors, children’s literature, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Deb began her career as a public elementary school teacher, driven by a passion for evidence-based literacy instruction. She later became a district curriculum specialist and educator coach. After earning her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, she joined MyNetico, a start-up focused on childhood health, where she partnered with a physician founder to develop an evidence-based virtual family intervention for childhood obesity. This initiative led to MyNetico’s acquisition by Optum and UnitedHealth Group (UHG). As a Senior Vice President at UHG for over 17 years, Deborah led research and development (R&D) and innovation efforts, collaborating with experts to develop and scale data-driven and human-centered programs and businesses in areas such as diabetes prevention, weight loss, prenatal care, chronic conditions, cost transparency, health literacy, and group coaching.

In 2024, Deb returned to her educational roots, transitioning from a seven-year role on the Board of Trustees at the Groves Learning Organization to leading the Groves Literacy Partnership (GLP) division. The GLP non-profit team collaborates with school districts across Minnesota and beyond to empower educators, our nation’s change agents. We focus on enabling science-based literacy instruction and interventions through innovative professional development, coaching, curricula, and content. Deb is dedicated to building strong partnerships, programs, and teams to achieve meaningful outcomes in literacy education for all.

Contact: [email protected]