While I only had the privilege to know and work with Deanna for a short period of time, I am so grateful to have known her. She was a wonderful mentor and colleague. She was always willing to go out of her way to support me and share her expertise and knowledge (which was truly so extensive and impressive - the education policy community has lost an incredible champion). Her smile and laugh lit up a room. Her love for her community and those she cared about most shown through in everything she did. She was truly one of a kind and will be missed. Sending love to her family and friends.

I had the honor and privilege to work with Deanna, albeit briefly, with my colleagues as we were supporting CSLX's work. From my first interaction with her, I was able to feel her radiance, warmth, and deep commitment to making things better for people. Sending my love to all who had the great fortune to meet and know Deanna. She will be dearly missed.

I only had the privilege of knowing and working with you for a short time, but I think about you often. The warmth, joy, and selflessness you brought to everything around you left a real impression on me. I'm so grateful our paths crossed.

Deanna- I’m still in total shock hearing about this today. I’ve always admired your dedication to the work of Community Schools. Your passion to stand along side educators, students and families has had, and will continue to have, a lasting impact throughout California and the country. Your legacy will be in how schools continue to transform to support students and families in equitable, inclusive and engaging school communities. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedication and friendship. You, your family and friends are all in my thoughts and prayers. 💖

Deanna, I am immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you that past couple of years in supporting the Community Schools work. I always appreciate your positive spirit, grounded wisdom, and extensive experience working with schools. It made sitting through 8 hour long meetings in a single room a bit more bearable :). Sending you strength, solace, and will keep you in our family prayers.

Dearest family of Deanna, I am so incredibly sorry for your great loss. I will never forget the first time I met Deanna in the offices of the California Department of Education as part of the Family Engagement Network. Her passion, honesty, humor, and warmth were infectious and inspiring. She was also incredibly strategic and courageous. Her decision to work for the CDE Foundation and leadership role in drafting the CA Community Schools Framework - rooted in a lived commitment to racial justice, and dignity and respect for families and students - will impact generations of children and young people across California and beyond. Deanna's love and legacy live on in all of us. Deanna Niebuhr - Presente!

Dear Deanna, I recognize that we most likely don't share the same beliefs but would like to share with you traditional teachings that has been shared with me. I hope that in doing so, you will know how impactful your Spirit was in this world. Our Elders tell us that when we return to the Spirit World (the Crow people call it "The other side camp"), Creator God won't care about the titles, degrees, commercial gains we've made in this world. Instead, Creator God will ask us what we did for the people while we were in this world. When I think of the work you have done throughout your career from a micro-level to a macro-level, you have helped shape the way we authentically engage with the community we serve to create structural change that is truly impactful to them and their lives. You were always so humble about the role you played in writing, creating and developing the community schools framework. But I can tell you that this work is impactful and meaningful because of your guidance. On a personal level, you always built me up and spoke goodness into me. Thank you for being a true leader and recognizing others. The words you shared with me resonated and made me feel as though my role in this work really mattered. I hope you know that I value our time together, learned a great deal from you, and enjoyed our laughs. May Creator God bless you during this transition period. In keeping with our traditional ways, I will send up some smoke and prayers to guide your Spirit back to the Milky Way (or wherever your beliefs take you to).

Deanna’s passion, knowledge, values, and sense of humor made her an invaluable partner, leader, and friend. Her impact was huge - on the field and on me personally. I am so grateful to have known her.

Deanna was a ray of sunshine in my life. A mentor, a colleague, a friend. She always welcomed me into our work together. I'd say that pretty much all of the good parts of the California Community Schools Partnership Program are thanks to Deanna working on the inside at CA Department of Education. She was a natural connector of people and ideas with an easy smile and a joyful laugh. I will miss her deeply and think of her often.

Deanna- I want to express my deep admiration and appreciation for you. You have touched the lives of so many people, including mine. I am grateful for the memories of seeing you put your heart, insights and skills into the complexities of making the lives of children across California more secure. You have brought hope and opportunity to untold children and families. Please know that you will always hold a special place our hearts. With love and gratitude - Ed & Ellen