Deb holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Hamilton College and a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies from Boston University.
Joined the CISWA State Office team in October ‘25
About Deb: Deb is the Grants Manager at Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA). Her journey into communications and writing began with a lifelong love of stories—an appreciation that naturally led her to study English literature. Over time, she discovered a fascination with how powerful words can be when used thoughtfully and intentionally, which inspired her to pursue a graduate degree in Communication Studies.
Before joining CISWA, Deb built a rich and varied career in communications, development, and nonprofit leadership. She began her professional path in retail management and communications roles at organizations such as Hamilton College, Condé Nast, and a graphic design firm. After earning her master’s degree and raising her family, she joined the Kids Discovery Museum on Bainbridge Island, where she spent more than a decade growing the organization’s fundraising programs as Deputy Director. Later, as a Grant Writer for Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, she wrote and managed more than 75 grant applications each year—developing deep expertise in youth development, education, and philanthropy.
Deb brings to CISWA extensive experience in grant writing, fundraising, and storytelling. In her role as Grants Manager, she:
- Manages multiple grant projects and deadlines throughout the year.
- Develops compelling proposals and reports that reflect the mission and impact of CISWA and its affiliates.
- Collaborates with colleagues and partners to prepare strong, data-driven funding requests.
- Builds and maintains relationships with funders to support ongoing organizational growth.
Deb finds it most rewarding to tell the story of the organization through grant proposals—celebrating progress, highlighting impact, and helping to make meaningful work possible. She is deeply aligned with the CIS mission, believing that every student deserves access to education and opportunity.
Outside of work: Deb enjoys watching baseball and football, going to the movies, listening to live music, walking along the water, and catching up with friends. A creative at heart, she’s often knitting, quilting, or trying out new craft projects she finds on Pinterest. She also loves exploring Bainbridge Island on her e-bike—often with her dog, Kona, riding along in a backpack for the adventure.