Deanna Forist holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master's in Education/Human Services Administration. She retired after forty-three years of service to children and families in a variety of professional roles. The first years of her career were spent teaching children/youth with significant disabilities, supervising teachers, and developing family support programs focused on self-advocacy for parents and families in concert with broader systems change efforts. Building on her passion for educational equity, Deanna spent twenty plus years advocating for the educational rights of students in the child welfare system, and several years as the Director of MSPCC’s KINnections Program, where she built a strong, diverse and vibrant grandparent community.

Throughout her career, Deanna was regarded as a knowledgeable, engaging, and gifted trainer and facilitator. She presented at numerous statewide conferences, combining her expertise in special education advocacy, child welfare, kinship care and family & community engagement.

In 2018, Deanna was honored to receive the John Lepper Advocacy Award from the MA Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren for her extraordinary commitment, resourcefulness and advocacy for grandparents/relative caregivers in Boston. Since her retirement she has remained involved with the Commission, serving on the Advisory Board and various sub-committees. Deanna was appointed to the Commission by the Governor’s Office in January 2024. Along with her active involvement with the Commission, she also enjoys volunteering in her community.