Who We Are
Get to Know Deep End Talent Strategies
Deep End Talent Strategies works with companies and individuals to keep each connected to what the other side needs in today’s employment relationship.
We partner with growing organizations for HR, training and payroll to attract, develop and retain top talent.
Deep End is a Certified Partner with Gusto for payroll services and with The Predictive Index for talent optimization.
The current can be strong-Deep End Talent Strategies is stronger.
Why Work With Deep End Talent Strategies?
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Empathy-Driven, People-First HR Solutions: We understand the unique pressures facing growing businesses—tight budgets, limited resources, and the need for mission alignment. Our approach is rooted in empathy and authentic partnership, not just transactions. We invest in your organization’s success, building relationships that last. -
Comprehensive, Customizable HR Services: From HR compliance and payroll to leadership development and employee training, we offer scalable solutions tailored to your needs—whether you need fractional CHRO support, full-service HR, or project-based expertise.
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Proven Results for Nonprofits and SMBs: Our clients consistently highlight our knowledge, partnership, and ability to deliver exceptional, customized results. We help organizations streamline HR processes, boost employee engagement, and ensure compliance—so you can focus on your mission or business growth. View Our Client Stories
Mission & Vision
At Deep End Talent Strategies, our vision is to be our clients’ most valuable partner as they advance their business and community.
Our mission is to navigate business currents for today’s workforce. We do this by consistently demonstrating six core values that drive our business. First, our employment practices reflect these values and form the foundation for our employee and customer experiences.
Our values are:
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Dedicated to Service -
Invested in Our Client's Success
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VIP Treatment for All
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Empathy
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Integrity
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No Ego
Meet the Our Team
Shawna Lake
Founder & Principal Consultant
Shawna is a Principal Consultant for Deep End Talent Strategies. She brings more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources, training, and development across nonprofits and for-profit businesses in tech startups, energy, conservation, education, and advertising. Shawna has a Master’s Degree in Adult Education and Executive Development. Her undergraduate degrees are in Management and Communications. Among her professional certifications and advanced training are her SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Facilitation Certification, Certified Career Coach, and Change Management Certification.
Lauren Byrum
HR Practice Director
Lauren Byrum, SHRM-CP, is the HR Practice Director at Deep End Talent Strategies. With more than 15 years of Human Resources experience, she leads the firm’s HR consulting practice and advises business owners and executive leaders on organizational growth, workforce strategy, leadership development, compliance, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and HR operations. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications and combines global leadership experience with a collaborative, relationship-driven approach to help organizations build thriving workplaces where people and businesses succeed together.
Debbie Baldwin
Learning & Development Practice Director
Debbie assists organizations in developing programs grounded in adult learning and instructional design best practices, which are aligned with organizational goals and expectation frameworks. In addition, she holds a Master’s Degree in Learning Design and Technology, complemented by certifications in Diversity and Inclusion and Change Management. Debbie leads initiatives around custom learning design, job analysis and workflow mapping, journey mapping, and training strategy. Her professional background includes nonprofit work in the utility sector, education, and health and human services.
Jessie Hernandez Klein
Instructional Designer
Jessie is a detailed Learning Experience Designer with a Master’s Degree in Learning Design and Technology. Jessie creates learning interventions and change management strategies. Her talents extend to content creation in English, Spanish, and French for adult learners. Her credentials include certifications in Social Emotional Arts, International Academics Qualifications, and Treating Trauma through Expressive Arts. Jessie’s professional background includes serving as a Program Manager and Educator with organizations addressing family and community resources for indigenous persons and addressing food insecurity in the Midwest. Jessie is a proud member of the Lipan Apache tribe and of the Chicano community.
Emma Cottrell
HR Consultant
Emma Cottrell is a Human Resources Consultant at Deep End Talent Strategies. She supports the team in meeting a wide range of HR needs for the growing businesses they serve. Her work includes recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, policy development, and payroll and benefits administration. Emma takes a compassionate, people-first approach to HR and enjoys helping teams build strong, effective workplace cultures. She began her HR career in 2020 after earning her certification in Human Resources Management. She later achieved her SHRM-CP and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Emma brings six years of experience in onboarding and training and three years as an HR Generalist, supporting clients across healthcare, dental, and construction industries. She is especially passionate about creating thoughtful onboarding processes that help new employees feel confident and supported from day one and beyond.
Vanessa Rafols
Operations Coordinator
Vanessa serves as our Operations Coordinator, where she wears one hat for supporting daily operations to ensure team success and another for sourcing and screening candidates for our clients. When she’s not at work, you can find Vanessa traveling to new places, exploring peaceful spots, or enjoying a good cup of coffee. At home, she’s surrounded by her pack of six dogs and one cat, keeping life just as busy and fun!
Mathew Albro
Strategic Partnership Executive
Amy Montgomery
HR Consultant
Amy developed a deep appreciation for community, connection, and the diverse experiences that shape people’s lives. That early foundation, coupled with a calling to serve, led to a first career in social services, where she built strong skills in advocacy, communication, and supporting individuals through complex challenges. Amy discovered that her desire to support people didn’t stop with her clients. She felt equally compelled to uplift her colleagues, and that realization inspired her transition into Human Resources. Since 2017, she has built her HR foundation through graduate study, earning her Master’s Degree in HR and her SHRM‑SCP, while gaining hands‑on HR experience in both large and small nonprofits. Today, Amy brings a unique blend of personal and professional insights, with a focus on fostering environments where individuals and teams can grow, contribute, and experience a genuine sense of belonging.