About Deborah
Deborah Dowling Ph.D., B.Sc.(Hons)., A.Mus.A
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Consultant and Coach
Consultant and Coach
I help leaders move forward with clarity and confidence.
It can be lonely at the top. As a confidential thought partner, I listen deeply, navigate complexity, and balance coaching and mentoring to spark fresh insight. From the COVID shutdowns of 2020 through the LA fires of 2025, I guided independent school heads and boards in the California Association of Independent Schools, drawing on more than fifteen years of mentoring, training, and supporting teachers and administrators.
I design systems and structures that help communities thrive.
Strategic growth demands technical expertise combined with a deep understanding of purpose. Much as I love data, spreadsheets, and timelines, I know they must serve the mission, not drive it. I create frameworks for change management, nonprofit board development, strategic planning, and risk management, working with schools, associations, and mission-driven organizations to turn vision into sustainable results.
Credentials
Credentials
As Executive Director of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) from 2020 - 2025, Dr. Dowling oversaw the accreditation of independent schools in California, and provided professional development, resources, support, and networking opportunities for the heads and trustees of member schools.
As a consultant and executive coach, Deborah draws upon her experiences leading CAIS, and also draws upon her prior experiences as a trainer of teachers and growing leaders; as a consultant in curriculum and school management; and as a trustee on the boards of both educational and performing arts organizations. She is certified in nonprofit board consulting by Boardsource.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Deborah holds a bachelor's degree in physics, a doctorate in the history and philosophy of science, a postgraduate diploma of education, and an associate's degree in music performance. Deborah has held the roles of Assistant Head at Chadwick School, Upper School Director at Bridges Academy, and Director of Studies at Harvard-Westlake School.
Deborah lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Andrew, and two large dogs, Buffy and Willow.
"Your commitment, leadership, and thoughtful work have clearly made a deep and lasting impact across the independent school community."
(Association President)
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