Deborah Madden

Education

Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.), Health Science, Nova Southeastern University

Master of Public Health (MPH), Health Education and Promotion, Loma Linda University

Bachelors of Arts (B.A.), Family and Consumer Science, California State Long Beach

Deborah is best known for her passion for community health and working with the diverse individuals. Deborah has spent the majority of her professional career in health care. She has worked in hospitals in the Greater Los Angeles area and the Washington DC Area, been a professor at the University of the District of Colombia, worked in the medical device industry, as well as participated in various outreach programs. Deborah was born in Oklahoma and moved to Arlington, Virginia at the age of ten.  She participated in Camp Fire USA as a youth while living in Oklahoma.  From her experience as a Camp Fire girl, Deborah stated "I learned the importance of a healthy lifestyle, outdoor exploration, and social responsibility. As a 4-H Extension Agent, I will have the opportunity to facilitate programs addressing youth development, life skills, citizenship and the mental well-being."  Deborah started volunteering with Extension as a Master Food Volunteer in 201. Deborah has judged 4-H Food Challenge events in the Northern Virginia area. In 2019, she earned her Certificate in Urban Agriculture from Virginia State University.

Deborah’s academic interest is in mitigation of cardiovascular disease through the implementation of culturally appropriate cooking classes. Deborah completed her Doctoral Practicum by implementing a six-week evidence based interactive cooking course addressing cardiovascular disease and food insecurity among African Americans at risk for cardiovascular disease focusing of foods familiar or rooted in the African American tradition. Negate the Food Swamp was presented at the 2014 American Public Health Convention in New Orleans, LA in a Round Table Discussion. Deborah in her spare time enjoys gardening, playing in a local handbell choir and volunteering as the Farmers Market Manager in Fairfax County.