More about Deborah

“There isn’t much in healthcare that I haven’t seen.” says Deborah, who has worked in healthcare since 1992 in multiple settings, including inpatient, outpatient, home health, military and skilled nursing facilities. She originally entered healthcare because she felt drawn to a profession that provided healing to those in pain. Deborah began her career as an occupational therapist with a focus on helping patients gain greater independence and quality of life by addressing physical and cognitive challenges. In 2006, Deborah was commissioned as an active-duty officer with the rank of Captain in the US Army Medical Corps at Madigan Army Medical Center in Ft. Lewis, Washington. Her time working with soldiers who were diagnosed with PTSD sparked her interest in working in behavioral health.  

Following her military discharge with commendation, Deborah graduated from Vanderbilt University as a nurse practitioner with a specialty in psychiatric mental health. Deborah’s nurse practitioner experience is enhanced by her prior experience as an occupational therapist. Her deep understanding of rehabilitation makes her well-equipped to work with patients who have dual diagnoses of physical and psychiatric disorders. While Deborah has extensive experience in multiple areas of behavioral health, she is especially interested in supporting patients with PTSD and/or treatment-resistant depression.

Deborah’s working style has a strong emphasis on active listening, building trust, and collaborating with patients. She first seeks to understand a patient’s history, then, after hearing their concerns, she plans goals together with the patient to provide tailored treatment.