Debra Rainey, M.Ed.

Deb Rainey, is an Early Childhood Specialist with over 25 years experience in early childhood special education. She earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Maine in Farmington and a M.Ed. in Early Intervention from the Maine, Orono with a concentration in autism. In addition, Deb completed certification in the Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (LEND) program and Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for teaching young children with autism. She has worked with young children and families in a variety of settings and programs over the years providing special instruction as well as consultation to support the inclusion of all young children and families in community settings.

Most recently in her position with the University of Maine’s Autism Institute for Education and Research (MAIER), Deb provides training, consultation, and coaching to professionals to build their capacity to implement ESDM throughout the state. Deb is committed to the field of early childhood education/early childhood special education and keeps current with best practice and evidence-based methods to meet the needs of young children with autism and families.