Mission and Values

MISSION

I use rigorous evaluation to build equity in science, place-based, and out-of-school learning settings. I help institutions build capacity and create learning environments that support community wellbeing and social justice. 

VALUES

1. Utility. I design evaluations to help partners make better decisions and improve program design. 

2. Equity. I work with my partners to involve their constituents in the evaluation in meaningful ways.

3. Collaboration and capacity-building. I work transparently and help my partners gain comfort and facility using evaluations.

UTILITY

I design evaluations around the specific decisions my partners need to make. Evaluations should be used, not shelved. I design from that premise, helping partners understand how their programs are working and serving their audiences so they can make informed decisions.

My work is realistic, useful, and respectful of partners' time and capacity. My experience as an educator gives strong insights into how learning happens and programs are designed, especially in out-of-school settings. 

EQUITY

I use participatory, community-centered methods that meaningfully involve program participants and historically marginalized voices in making sense of findings. Evaluation is fundamentally a way to connect program designers and participants, but the process still needs to be done carefully to better honor the input and time of participants and avoid contributing to societal harms. I like to regularly discuss opportunities to involve community members and program participants throughout the evaluation process, and especially to make sense of findings. 

COLLABORATION AND CAPACITY-BUILDING

I build strong, communicative relationships with my partners. I hold regular meetings, share findings clearly, and approach every partnership with care, humility, and respect for partners' time and capacity.

I help organizations build their understanding of and comfort with evaluation. I are transparent with my decision-making and involve partners throughout projects, creating sustainable, transformative change.