Shawna Lake

Founder & Principal Consultant

Shawna is a Principal Consultant for Deep End Talent Strategies. She brings nearly 25 years of experience in HR, training, and development across nonprofits and for-profit businesses in tech startups, energy, conservation, education, and advertising. Shawna has a master's degree in Adult Education and Executive Development. Her undergraduate degrees are in Management and Communications. Among her professional certifications and advanced training are her SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Facilitation Certification, Certified Career Coach, and Change Management Certification.

Debbie Baldwin

Learning & Development Director

Debbie assists organizations in developing programs grounded in adult learning and instructional design best practices, which are aligned with organizational goals and expectation frameworks. In addition, she holds a Master's in Learning Design and Technology, complemented by certifications in Diversity and Inclusion and Change Management. Debbie leads initiatives around custom learning design, job analysis and workflow mapping, journey mapping, and training strategy. Her professional background includes nonprofit work in the utility sector, education, and health and human services.

Lauren Byrum

Senior HR Business Partner & Consultant

Lauren links HR needs and compliance with learning and development programs. Lauren’s degree is in Organizational Communications with the SHRM-CP designation. She brings global team leadership experience and manager coaching expertise to the team. Lauren often called upon to facilitate job leveling and career framework discussions, both in survey and workshop format. She trains leaders on the use of these frameworks to sustain programs post-implementation and builds supporting communication plans.

Jessie Hernandez Klein

Instructional Designer

Jessie is a detailed Learning Experience Designer with a Master's in Learning Design and Technology. Jessie creates learning interventions and change management strategies. Her talents extend to content creation in English, Spanish, and French for adult learners. Her credentials include certifications in Social Emotional Arts, International Academics Qualifications, and Treating Trauma through Expressive Arts. Jessie's professional background includes serving as a Program Manager and Educator with organizations addressing family and community resources for indigenous persons and addressing food insecurity in the Midwest. Jessie is a proud member of the Lipan Apache tribe and of the Chicano community.

Susie McKenna

Marketing Consultant

Susie has been a marketing and communications pro for 20 years. She holds a BA in Communications from Purdue University and a MA in Public Relations from Ball State University. In the chaos of 2020, Susie launched her own communications consulting business and connected with Deep End Talent Strategies. You can see her work right here on DETS social channels! When she's not at work, you'll find Susie on the lacrosse field or softball diamond watching her kids play!

Francis (Mico) Espenilla

Business Consultant

Mico joined our team as a consultant for communications and outreach efforts and the results are soaring...literally. Mico is a licensed aviator for single engine planes! He brings over 5 years of prior professional experience is in development roles, providing quality services to clients in the US and UK. Outside of work, he pilots his Cessna plane and likes to stay active by playing American football, weightlifting, and spending time with his three dogs.

Starlin Arias

HR Assistant

Starlin is an accomplished Executive Assistant and Paralegal with an extensive background in administrative support, legal assistance, and social media management. Fluent in English and Spanish, he excels in creating efficient office environments, managing executive schedules, and crafting strategic social media campaigns. Starlin is passionate about leveraging his technical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities to contribute significantly to organizational success. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence, adaptability, and a robust history of accomplishments across diverse industries.

Vanessa Rafols

Operations Coordinator

Vanessa has been a marketing and lead generation specialist for over 8 years, primarily in the real estate industry. She has developed strong skills in cold outreach, managing systems, and generating quality leads. Recently, Vanessa stepped into the role of Operations Coordinator, where she is focusing on supporting daily operations to ensure team success. When she’s not at work, you can find Vanessa traveling to new places, exploring peaceful spots, or enjoying a good cup of coffee. At home, she’s surrounded by her pack of six dogs and one cat, keeping life just as busy and fun!