About Us
Meritology Institute: Personal Growth for Professional Success
Debbie Woodbury founded the Meritology Institute to bridge the gap between untapped talent and real opportunity. She spent more than 20 years in leadership roles within the public sector, where she witnessed firsthand how many capable professionals were overlooked due to a lack of access, resources, or support. Meritology was born from a simple yet powerful belief: personal growth is the foundation of professional success. We focus on helping individuals become stronger contributors, more confident leaders, and purposeful professionals, all through practical coaching, dynamic training, and tools that effectively work in the real world. Our approach is people-centered, equity-informed, and results-driven. We’re not here to tick boxes. We’re here to move people forward.
Our Vision
Empowering individuals and association to reach their highest potential.
Our Mission
Empower individuals and organizations through personal growth, leadership development, and actionable training that drives long-term success.
Our Values
• Clarity: We strip away the fluff to deliver clear, practical guidance.
• Courage: We help people find their voice and own their leadership.
• Equity: We believe access to development should be inclusive and intentional.
• Growth: We meet people where they are and equip them to go further.
Meet Our Founder
Debbie Woodbury
CEO & Founder of The Meritology Institute, LLC
Debbie Woodbury has over 20 years of experience in the Parks and Recreation profession. Ms. Woodbury’s passion exudes for this field as she was named the 2005 Employee of the Year by the City of Falls Church in Virginia. Having already earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Mason University, with a concentration in Sociology, Ms. Woodbury earned a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina State University. She is a Certified Public Manager, a Certified Program Planner, and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. Ms. Woodbury serves on the board for GP RED and NC State SPIA. With a strong desire to empower and teach others, she has served as a presenter for various educational sessions at local, state, and national conferences. In 2018, she was nominated for the Equity for Women Award. She continues to study leadership, social justice and is committed to advocating for equity for low-income youth and communities.
Professional Certifications
Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP), National Recreation and Parks Association, 2025
Society for Human Resources (SHRM) Certified Professional- SHRM CP 2024
Certificate of Completion, Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) Inclusion Program, 2022
Certified Pool & Spa Operator Certification, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, 2022
Certified Program Planner, LERN, 2021
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate, University of South Florida Mama College of Business, 2021
Certificate of Completion for High Performing Organizations, College of Charleston, 2021
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, National Council for Behavioral Health, 2019
Certified Public Manager, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments/ Institute for Regional Excellence, 2014
Speaking Engagements
Maryland Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference- Speaker (2025, 2020)
Federally Employed Women National Training Program- Speaker (2024)
National Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference- Speaker (2024, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017)
Blacks in Government National Training Institute - Speaker (2024, 2023)
North Carolina Recreation and Park Association Conference- Speaker (2024, 2016)
Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI)- Faciliator (2024, 2023)
Women In Leisure Services- Speaker (2023)
Virginia Recreation and Parks Society’s Management Conference-Speaker (2023, 2017, 2015)
Arizona Recreation and Parks Association State Conference- Speaker (2023)
Alaska Recreation and Parks Association- Speaker (2020)
Virginia Recreation and Parks Society Annual Conference- Speaker (2020, 2019, 2017)
NC Parks and Recreation Directors Conference- Speaker ( 2019)
City of Alexandria, RPCA Health and Safety Conference- Facilitator (2019)
Carolinas Joint Recreation & Parks Conference- Speaker (2017)
Virginia Recreation and Parks Society’s Northern Service Area- Speaker (2015)
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