Co-Create

I started at the CommNS in 2013 as a Postdoctoral Researcher and I began to build the Co-Create initiative in 2017 in my role as the Associate Director for Engaged Research. It’s been a joy to be involved in our more than 70 projects since 2017, engaging with our project partners, designing our projects, and working with our teams to carry them out. I’ve been a practicing evaluator for more than 15 years, so I continue to get excited about our evaluation projects as well as our evaluation refinement and capacity-building efforts. As a former teacher and a graduate of our Human Development and Family Studies PhD program, I enjoy projects that engage with schools or community-based learning spaces, or that otherwise benefit children and families. I really like working with groups, community-based or our university colleagues, that lead with their values and aren’t afraid to show their commitment to justice, and I anticipate more opportunities in the future for Co-Create to support the learning and adaptation needs of groups like these.

I began working for Co-Create in 2019 as a research and evaluation specialist and am now the Co-Create Project Coordinator. I’ve worked on a diverse set of projects including data collection for academic researchers, landscape scans, needs assessments, public health initiatives, survey development and implementation, focus group facilitation, and support for funders looking to gain insights and feedback from their grantees. Many of my projects have focused on children and families, particularly the timeframe of early childhood. I really enjoy working on projects that include data gathering that helps organizations learn from their staff or stakeholders to make their work and processes better. I would love to work on more projects that address environmental justice and climate change concerns.

I have been with Co-Create for two and a half years, starting out as a graduate student researcher and then transitioning to full-time staff. During this time, I have worked on evaluation and applied research projects with partners ranging from local nonprofits to large state agencies. The projects I most enjoy are those where I have the opportunity to engage directly with our partners and community members, whether it be through interviews, focus groups, or participating in events. In the future, I would love to work on more participatory projects in which participants’ and community members’ voices guide our process.

Since 2019, I have worked with Co-Create, starting as a research assistant and now as a Multicultural Research Analyst. My experience includes qualitative and quantitative evaluation, needs assessments, translation, transcription, and creating plain-language materials to share results with communities.

I enjoy working on diverse projects that keep my brain moving. I’ve grown comfortable with the iterative nature of community-based work but also appreciate the clarity that comes from balancing projects within a structured framework. I’m passionate about partnering with mission-driven organizations serving children, families, and BIPOC communities—especially projects that center community voices and focus on family and community wellbeing. Looking ahead, I hope to deepen my evaluation expertise and grow into leadership roles that support data-driven improvement, equity, and operational excellence. Outside of work, I enjoy board games, karaoke, and spending time with my family and dogs.

I have been working with Co-Create for almost five years. I started as a graduate student researcher in Human Development and Family Studies and am now full-time staff with the CommNS. I have participated in a range of projects including landscape analyses, needs assessments, interview and focus group facilitations, prevention scans, and program evaluations. I have most of my experience focusing on children, families, social services, and marginalized racial groups. I particularly enjoy projects that include qualitative interviewing, projects focused on quality improvement of systems and processes, and evaluating the components of programs that make them effective. I would love to work on more projects that focus on racial equity and involve connecting academic research partners and community partners!