ABOUT ME

Deborah Harrell is a native Tennessean, who between working on her Bachelor and Master degrees joined the family business as a building contractor.  She also helped care for her grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s disease, and along with it severe dysphagia.   Watching the progression of this disease and her grandfather and mother's primary roles in care-giving changed her life path. Deborah has a new journey after seeing the nursing home and hearing family stories, and realizes that Dysphagia and the geriatric nutrition care process is the only place for her.


EDUCATION 
                           
Deborah Harrell graduated from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Communications, as well as a Masters Degree in Education and Psychology, graduating with academic honors.  She is currently attending Florida International University where she is persuing her RD and Ph.D, with an emphasis on Dysphagia in older adults, in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition.  Deborah also works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Dietetics and Nutrition Department, as well.    

ORGANIZATIONS

American Dietetics Association

Golden Key International Honour Society

Miami Dietetics Association

Student Dietetic Association

Volunteer organizations:           

v             The Jackson Madison County Humane Society

v             The Soup Kitchen

v             Women's Resource & Rape Assistance Program Counselor

v             Jackson Madison County General Hospital:
 

o        Geriatric Patient Care Volunteer/Food Service

o        ER Patient Advocate

o        Surgery