Debra joined The Center in April of 2015 and brings over thirty years of adult education experience. As a Program Specialist – Team Lead, she provides education, coaching and technical assistance to rural health networks on topics such as strategic planning, evaluation, collaboration and community engagement, partnerships and leadership. She utilizes her extensive background in training, facilitation and presentation skills to assist rural health leaders accomplish their goals. Her passion for healthier people in rural communities lead her to engage in the development of tools for care coordination. Through various Center programs she worked with rural health care organizations across the country to develop effective community care coordination programs.
Prior to joining The Center team, for over ten years, Debra designed, developed, implemented, and coordinated education programs across northeastern Minnesota. In that capacity, she worked cooperatively with rural health care providers. She has many years’ experience of leadership development within community collaborations.
Debra has a Master of Education in Adult Education and Training and Development from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and has served as an adjunct faculty at three area colleges. Debra has presented on health-related topics at several regional and national conferences.