Deborah Shukyn-Plageman M.Ed., PCC, CCDP
Founder of PersonaGrata Consulting

My name is Deborah Shukyn-Plageman, my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a proud member and ally of both the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities. At this stage of my life, and given my particular brand of neurodivergence, I have arranged a happy and healthy life around how I walk (and think) in this world. My philosophical stance regarding the socio-political-economic realities of recognition, diagnosis and adjustment aligns with the social model of disability and a stance that self-diagnosis is a valid position from which to create the elements of a well-lived life. My most beloved book on this subject is “Divergent Mind – Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed For You” by Jenara Nerenberg.

I am in a long-term heterosexual marriage to my second husband, who is “all that and a bag of chips''. He is the kindest man I have ever met, principled, supportive (he has been the dad that stepped up – more than the stepdad) and absolutely my wisest and closest friend, lover and business advisor. My husband is a master carpenter by trade and a residential general contractor by profession. My beautiful home office showcases the fruits of his labour – what he built me during COVID - the most beautiful bookcase to house my growing collection of academic books and mementos from the giants whose shoulders I stand upon (including my father’s mask collection).

I am a parent and ally to a young adult with multiple visible and non-visible disabilities and to two adult step-sons, all of whom have made my husband and I, proud parents and empty nesters. I am the second generation of my family, living in Toronto for the majority of my life. My family came to Toronto after escaping Eastern Europe during the holocaust. My faith of origin is Jewish; however, as an adult, I chose the faith Unitarian-Universalist (leaning more toward Universalist). I am the second generation in my family who is university-educated. However, in my youth, I did not complete high school, which only pushed me harder to succeed and self-fund my higher education.

Educational Background & Training

I completed a Master of Education in Adult Education through Yorkville University. I spent three years as a Doctoral candidate, eventually leaving academia from a program in Leadership and Coaching Psychology. My current practitioner-research agenda interrogates how coaching supervision as a group reflective practice supports conversations of diversity, equity and inclusion in diverse coaching contexts. My master’s degree research interrogated the coaching models and strategies used by coaches in coaching people who experience barriers or marginalization to full social and economic participation in society.

Credentials

Professional Certified Coach (PCC) - International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) - Career Development Certification Board (CDPCBO)

Group Coaching - CEO of the Year 2023 - Ontario - CEO Monthly Magazine

Additional Trainings

Mental Health First Aide | SafeTalk Suicide Prevention | Narrative Career Counselling

Meet The Team

Jennifer Humphreys

Psychoeducational Assistant

Jennifer is currently in the final year of her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in Social and Personality Psychology, (graduating in April 2024). She has experience within the field of Psychology as a research assistant and group leader. Over the past several years, she has had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people, including many struggling with mental health, youth, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government. Through her attentive and emphatic people skills, she aims to create safe spaces for everyone. Her experience has given her key knowledge of psychological research methods, fundamental theories, theoretical approaches in psychotherapy and data entry. As well as, opportunities to use her exceptional listening skills, and energetic and positive personality to create welcoming spaces for those who seek it.

Jo Davis | BA, CPCC, ACC

Associate Consultant

Jo works with clients on a variety of topics, including leadership, career growth, wellness, values and purpose, relationships and, most recently, mental health. She brings a depth of lived experience, knowledge and skill to serve her clients. For Jo, coaching is a passion and a calling. She believes strongly that clients are creative, resourceful, and whole and have natural abilities and strengths to overcome stuck places and achieve their goals. In coaching sessions, she listens deeply, asks powerful questions and uses tools of acceptance, mindfulness and self-compassion. She coaches clients respectfully as a whole person: mind, body and spirit, not simply the issues they come with. Her starting point is ALWAYS connecting with clients' deeply held values and life’s purpose.

Terri Donohue | ACC

Associate Consultant

Terri collaborates closely with leaders to amplify concerns of marginalized communities and propel diversity, equity, and inclusivity efforts throughout organizations and society. In addition to this, she is an accomplished life and leadership coach, guiding individuals toward personal and professional empowerment. Terri takes immense pride in having been awarded for her accomplishments in Anti-racism and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion by the University of British Columbia. Concurrently, Terri has excelled as an Emmy-nominated makeup artist within the dynamic entertainment industry. This artistic journey highlights her perceptive versatility and her contributions to crafting unique visual narratives.

Deborah Shukyn-Plageman M.Ed., PCC, CCDP Founder of PersonaGrata Consulting

Educational Background & Training

Credentials

Additional Trainings

Meet The Team

Deborah Shukyn-Plageman M.Ed., PCC, CCDP
Founder of PersonaGrata Consulting