Healthcare practices
Physicians and practice leaders trained in medicine, not HR. We help you manage clinical and front-office teams side by side, and stay on top of the compliance that comes with both.
Tailored HR for small and mid-size businesses
Your HR department, without hiring one.
Experienced HR leadership and a team to handle payroll, employee questions, hiring, and compliance. Start with a single question, a project, or the whole department by monthly subscription.
A sampling of the practices, firms, and founders we support.
What we do
Everything an HR department does.
From everyday HR needs to complex challenges and long-term planning. Individual services or comprehensive HR support, tailored to your business.
HR Operations and Employee Support
The essential HR administration and employee support that keep your business running smoothly.
Hiring and Job Design
Helping you build the right roles, find the right people, and establish a structure that supports growth.
Compliance and Risk Management
Practical guidance to identify risks, strengthen compliance, and address issues before they become bigger problems.
Talent Management and Culture
Helping you build strong managers, engaged employees, and a workplace where people can do their best work.
Who we serve
Professional services firms
Law, accounting, advisory, and design firms that hold their own work to a high standard. We handle your people matters with the same care and discretion you give your clients.
Nonprofits and associations
Lean teams where every staff hour counts, and boards that expect HR to be done right. We help with policies, performance, and the executive director questions boards often struggle with.
Founder-led and growing companies
Owners building something new, whether that’s a first location, a second, or a team that doubled faster than expected. We set up the HR foundation early, so it grows with you instead of holding you back.
Don’t see your industry? Most of what we do applies everywhere. Let’s talk.
How we start
Sized to your work, not your headcount.
Headcount tells us part of the story. Understanding your HR needs, challenges, and priorities helps us determine the right level of support.
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A conversation
We’ll talk about your business, what’s on your plate, and where you need the most support.
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An initial review
We take a closer look at your current HR practices, identify priorities, and determine what needs attention.
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A plan you agree to
We recommend a scope of services and approach that fits your needs, with clear expectations before we begin.
Client stories
In their words.
Debbie stepped in seamlessly with deep operational expertise, calm judgment, and an incredibly practical approach. … She was a perfect complement to me and served as a safe sounding board more times than I could count.
Ali Farrell Global Head of People Strategy and Experience (CPO), Beghou
If another founder or business owner asked me whether they should work with Debbie, my answer would be simple: Do yourself a favor and do it!
Alex Stoller Founder & CEO, True Health
I really wanted someone who would get to know our company, help get us up to speed and set us up for the future. Debbie was exactly that person.
Tara Brito Physician and Practice Leadership, Oak Park Pediatrics
It is such a relief to have Debbie’s expertise on board. Her calm, warm demeanor also makes it enjoyable to work with her. Any employer would be lucky to have Debbie on their team.
Amy Duerk Partner, Adams, Duerk & Kamenstein LLP
Our founder
35+ years of HR experience, in your corner.
Debbie Rabishaw has spent more than 35 years building and leading HR functions for growing businesses, privately held companies, and PE-backed organizations.
She founded Next Step Advisory to bring experienced HR leadership, practical solutions, and sound judgment to businesses that need HR expertise without building a large internal department.
Credentials and recognition
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
- SHRM Workplace Investigation Specialty Credential
- SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential
- Recognized among Illinois’ 50 Women to KNOW, 2026
Let’s talk about your HR needs.
Thirty minutes to talk through what’s on your mind. Or take five minutes to see where your HR stands today.