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.

Vanessa Rafols

Operations Coordinator

Vanessa serves as our Operations Coordinator, where she wears one hat for supporting daily operations to ensure team success and another for sourcing and screening candidates for our clients. 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!