Deaton was born in Columbus, Ohio. As an adolescent, she dreamed of becoming a journalist and enrolled in a master’s program at the University of Washington to complete a degree in communications. But instead of writing her thesis, she made a film, which would spark her interest in pursuing a career in filmmaking. She went on to make educational films and documentaries after moving to Los Angeles. Through a friend, she met veteran television Director James Burrows, who would eventually connect her with her first job as an assistant to a producer. She later became a production coordinator, a writer’s assistant and made the jump from the office to production as a script supervisor. While working on The Facts of Life, she officially transitioned from script supervisor to associate director.
Deaton’s credits as an associate director include work in episodic television on such shows as The Jeffersons, 227, The Van Dyke Show, Vinnie & Bobby, Malcolm & Eddie, The Wayans Bros., City Guys, Reed Between the Lines, The Soul Man, Melissa & Joey and Bizaardvark. In addition to working as an associate director, she has also directed on the following shows: The Facts of Life, Carol & Company, Martin, Reba, Crash and Bernstein, Nicky, Ricky, Dickey & Dawn and The Neighborhood.
Deaton has been a member of the Directors Guild since 1979. As an active Guild member, she has served on the Western AD/SM/PA Council for more than 23 years in various capacities including alternate, 1st and 2nd vice chairperson. She was elected as a member of the National Board as a 2nd alternate in 2017. Deaton has also served on the Negotiating Committee consecutively through the 2002-2017 cycles. For her service to the Guild, she was awarded the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award in 2019.