I am dedicated to supporting the often-overlooked emotional well-being of bioscience animal professionals and encouraging compassionate communication.
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Building resiliency, managing compassion fatigue, and fostering ethical transparency are concepts near and dear to me because I’ve seen firsthand how vital these conversations are, and yet how rare. My mission is to bring a voice to the unspoken challenges of working in animal research and to empower professionals with tools and language to navigate their work with renewed strength, clarity, and care. When we support the people behind science, we strengthen science itself.
Meet Deborah
Deborah has over 10 years of experience in the lab animal space and is a passionate advocate for bioscience professionals working at the intersection of animal care, research, and ethics.
With a deep understanding of the emotional challenges faced by those working in the research community, Deborah helps those struggling with compassion fatigue rediscover their purpose through tools for building workplace resiliency and emotional sustainability.
As a seasoned professional in the laboratory animal field, Deborah is committed to fostering open conversations around transparency and the ethical use of animals in scientific research. Through her signature talk, “Speaking the Unspoken: Resilience and Ethics in Lab Animal Work,” she empowers audiences to confront the hidden emotional toll of their work while offering practical strategies to reconnect with the meaning behind it.
With empathy, clarity, and real-world experience, Deborah inspires change in how we support the people behind science.
Deborah's Talks
I support the lab animal professionals behind the science by helping them find their voice, reduce stigma, and share their work with honesty, empathy, and purpose.
Communicating with Care: Building Trust in the Lab Animal Environment
This talk explores how effective, transparent communication fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and ethical responsibility within research environments. Drawing from real-world examples, attendees will learn how to improve messaging around animal care and research integrity.
Deborah provides tools for researchers, managers, and technicians to align language, tone, and strategy when discussing sensitive topics both internally and externally
Behind the Doors: Transparency in Animal Research Without Compromising Security
Designed for institutional leaders, IACUC members, and communication staff, this talk addresses how to balance public transparency with research integrity.
Deborah explores strategies for opening the doors figuratively and sometimes literally, by sharing animal welfare practices, promoting 3Rs efforts, and creating meaningful engagement with stakeholders.
The Cost of Compassion: Recognizing and Responding to Fatigue in Lab Animal Professionals
Compassion fatigue in lab animal professionals is real and often overlooked. Deborah will highlight the emotional and psychological toll of caring for research animals and offer practical tools for recognizing burnout, fostering resilience, and supporting team well-being that can be customized for any institution.
Ideal for veterinary teams, facility managers, and HR professionals, the talk emphasizes institutional responsibility and culture change to improve retention and morale!
Deborah's Testimonials
I support the lab animal professionals behind the science by helping them find their voice, reduce stigma, and share their work with honesty, empathy, and purpose.
“Deborah is an energetic, engaging, and inspiring speaker. She is passionate about animal research and advocacy, and she weaves personal anecdotes into her talks to make them relatable and impactful.”
Logan France
Clinical Veterinarian DVM, BRAD Program Director; Independent Consultant in Laboratory Animal Medicine
“Deborah is an engaging and intuitive speaker. From a meeting environment to a social engagement or a professional presentation, she always manages to win over the audience and makes it enjoyable”
James Champion, MLAS, RVT, CMAR, RLATG Director of Operations, Florida Atlantic University
“Her ability to clearly explain complex topics, maintain an engaging pace, and connect with the audience—often eliciting laughter—makes her an exceptional speaker.”
Lindsay Bates, B.S., RLATG, CPIA IACUC Specialist Brisbane, CA, Animal Welfare Assurance| Veterinary Sciences
“She has a remarkable gift for fostering an environment that is not only exciting and inclusive but also genuinely caring. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her message resonates long after she leaves the stage. Incredibly driven, outgoing, and always willing to lend a helping hand, Deborah is a true force for positive change. Audiences walk away inspired, uplifted, and more connected to one another. Simply put, she’s unforgettable.’
Nikki Bennett Cardiovascular Scientist & Project Manager
Let's Connect
I support the lab animal professionals behind the science by helping them find their voice, reduce stigma, and share their work with honesty, empathy, and purpose. Leading with a Kind Voice.
408-504-2043
