Debra Witthar is an experienced nursing leader and clinician with over 22 years of practice spanning critical care, neurology, cardiology, perioperative nursing, flight nursing, and clinical research. She has more than 11 years of leadership experience, including eight years in Critical Care, where she advanced quality improvement and patient‑centered care initiatives. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, she provides expert care to complex neurological and critically ill patients. She currently serves as a Neuro Critical Care Nurse Practitioner at Sutter Health, managing acute stroke care, neurosurgical patients, and advanced procedures such as central line insertion and lumbar puncture. She also specializes in the management and programming of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) devices and the care of patients with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other movement disorders.

Her work includes serving as a research co‑investigator for multiple movement disorder studies, contributing to advancements in Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, essential tremor, and related conditions. A dedicated educator, she has over 10 years of experience teaching nursing students across certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, along with extensive clinical instruction in critical care, pediatrics, labor and delivery, emergency care, and simulation. She is the creator and facilitator of community education programs, including the Parkinson Disease Learning and Education Resource class and the Deep Brain Stimulation class. Known for her strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills, she is committed to evidence‑based practice, interdisciplinary teamwork, and advancing neurological care. Her career reflects a deep dedication to clinical excellence, patient advocacy, and lifelong learning.