Deb has a BSW in social work and nutrition from Cornell University, and an MA in experiential education, counseling and women’s studies from New York University. She completed non-degree coursework in public health at Columbia University’s Mailman School.

Deb’s work has been cited in former President Clinton’s report on education and the internet, and she was a member of the team that won the White House Apps Against Abuse mobile challenge for the Circle of 6 app. She is a PopTech Social Innovations Fellow, an ELLE magazine woman of the year, one of Forty Women to Watch Over 40 in 2013, and a winner of a Jefferson Award for public service.

Deb serves on numerous boards, including The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, and the California State PTA Health Commission. She lives in the hip and trendy neighborhood of Temescal, North Oakland with her public defender, wine geek husband and her two tween daughters.