Our Team

Deborah founded Grounded in 2017 because she saw a need in the nonprofit sector for more individualized support. Since that time, she has worked with over 30 nonprofit organizations in a diverse array of sectors including; the arts, education, and social services. She brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to every project, partnering closely with organizations to understand their distinct identity, goals, and challenges. Her work is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, she creates tailored projects for each nonprofit that are clear, effective, and designed to move your mission forward.

Deborah has a proven track record of helping nonprofits increase revenue, deepen donor relationships, and strengthen internal capacity, Her approach is grounded in experience and committed to sustainable change. She has worked alongside organizations to secure major gifts, grow annual campaigns, assess development efforts, and build stronger boards and teams. Whether she’s leading a meeting, guiding a planning process or facilitating a board retreat, Deborah brings clarity, insight, and a genuine respect for the work nonprofits do every day.

Before launching Grounded, Deborah spent over two decades working in and with nonprofits — first as a professional dancer in New York City, and later in senior development roles at arts and education organizations including Pennsylvania Ballet and The Miquon School. Deborah’s blend of artistic and administrative experience gives her a distinct perspective of the delicate balance nonprofits face while staying mission-driven and building long-term stability and growth.

With a Master’s in Arts Administration from Columbia University, Deborah currently serves on the Advisory Board of Playworks PA and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Yes And… Arts Collaborative. She has been a guest speaker at Columbia University’s Arts Administration Graduate Program and the National Small Schools Conference.

Josh brings creative insight and expertise to his work at Grounded, and has more than 15 years of arts marketing, editorial, and communications work, as well as a background in publishing, exhibitions, and theatre and music productions and events. Along with his work at Grounded, Josh has a successful track record working with clients such as FringeArts, Bryn Mawr College, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, Fodor’s Travel Guides, Merián Soto/Performance Practice, and Cardell Dance Theater.

Josh also has extensive experience in project management and website development oversight. As a grant writer, he’s known for crafting compelling, accessible narratives that not only resonate with funders but also reflect the unique voice and mission of the organizations he supports.He has worked with a wide range of organizations in Philadelphia and New York City, specializing in editorial direction for magazine-style and exhibition-focused publications, books, and digital platforms. His experience includes serving as an Editor for Fodor’s Travel Guides in New York City.

With a BFA in Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an MA in Theatre from Villanova University, he has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, design, and communication strategy. Outside of his consulting work, Josh serves on the board of the Cresheim Trail and has previously served on the board of Cliveden of the National Trust. He is also an accomplished playwright, director, and producer, and leads Automatic Arts, a Philadelphia-based theater company dedicated to presenting original, thought-provoking performances. As a life-long musician and songwriter, his work is highlighted through his band, Casual Fantastic.