Dr. Debra Howard-Burton, Th.D.

Dr. Debra Howard-Burton is a nationally recognized leader in victim advocacy, crisis response, and professional training, bringing more than 38 years of distinguished experience to the field. As the Visionary of S.O.A.R. Professional Services, LLC, she provides dynamic training, workshops, and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, schools, community organizations, and churches. Through both professional and faith-based initiatives, she equips individuals and organizations with practical tools, strategic insight, and the compassion needed to serve and support others effectively.

Dr. Howard-Burton dedicated 38 years of service to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she served as Lead Field Victim Advocate. In this role, she pioneered policies and procedures that continue to influence best practices in victim advocacy today. Her expertise spans mass violence response, crisis intervention counseling, leadership development, Christian education, and community outreach, and she is widely respected for her ability to integrate real-world experience with faith-informed teaching.

Recognized as a nationally certified professional by the U.S. Department of Justice, Dr. Howard-Burton serves as a faculty trainer for the National Hate Crimes Curriculum and as a national consultant for the Office for Victims of Crime and the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center. Her work has positioned her as a trusted voice in advancing trauma-informed, culturally competent, and spiritually grounded victim services.

As a National Crisis Responder and Group Crisis Intervention Facilitator, Dr. Howard-Burton has responded to major national tragedies, including the September 11 World Trade Center attacks, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport shooting, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, the Surfside condominium collapse, and Hurricanes Irma and Ian. Her frontline experience brings depth, credibility, and urgency to every training and engagement she leads.

Dr. Howard-Burton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Union University and a Doctorate in Theology from Midwest Theological University. She has served as an Adjunct Professor and as faculty for the National Victims’ Assistance Academy at Washburn University, contributing to academic scholarship and authoring works that emphasize cultural and spiritual competence in victim services. She is also the author of the powerful poem “Someone Is Screaming,” reflecting her lifelong mission to amplify the voices of victims and inspire meaningful action.