Debbie Coleman
Ph.D.
Research Program Manager, Spinal Cord Injury Research Program
- Marcus Center for Advanced Rehabilitation Spinal Cord Injury Research
About Dr. Coleman
“Every study is a step toward improving lives after spinal cord injury.”
Dr. Debbie Coleman is the Research Program Manager at Shepherd Center. She oversees and supports all aspects of grant-funded and in-house research studies, ensuring smooth implementation and operational processes. Dr. Coleman manages SCIMS (South Eastern Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems) research protocols, including recruitment, data collection, and quality control, and leads collaborations with external sites to advance spinal cord injury research.
Research specialties
- Spinal Cord Injury
Education & training
- Ph.D., Epidemiology/Public Health – Walden University, 2019
- M.S., Public Health – University of Phoenix, 2013
- B.S., Health Administration/Health Information Systems – University of Phoenix, 2012
- A.S., Mortuary Science – American Academy McAlister Institute of Funeral Service, 1994
Certifications
- The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program): Human Subject Protection
- Coursera: COVID-19 Contact Tracing
- CITI Program: Biomedical Research & Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Why her work matters
“The work at Shepherd Center is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to combine rigorous scientific inquiry with direct, real-world impact on the lives of individuals living with spinal cord injury. As a Research Program Manager, I am not only overseeing studies and data systems, I am contributing to evidence that directly informs clinical practice, rehabilitation outcomes, and long-term quality of life for a highly vulnerable population.”
Beyond Shepherd
Dr. Coleman is deeply committed to empowering others beyond her work at Shepherd Center. She serves as Research Coordinator for the BRIMI Foundation, a nonprofit focused on promoting physical and emotional health among young girls. Through BRIMI, she helps raise awareness about wellness and self-esteem for females ages 8–18 in DeKalb County, Georgia, particularly those impacted by social media and beauty ideals.
In addition, she is an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Phoenix, where she contributes to advancing education and leadership in healthcare.
Known for her positive, upbeat nature — and her love for smiling — Dr. Coleman brings warmth and enthusiasm to every endeavor. She enjoys reading, journaling, exercising, traveling, interior design, and shopping. Her greatest joy is spending time with family and attending church on Sundays. Passionate about mentoring, she volunteers to help teenage girls build confidence and awareness around physical and emotional health.
