Jennifer Duer is a versatile and accomplished human resources professional with over 23 years of experience in various aspects of HR and talent acquisition. At VIA, she is responsible for managing human resources, talent acquisition, payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable functions for our growing program evaluation company. She also supports the team and leadership with organization development and project management initiatives. Jennifer holds an MBA in HR and has extensive knowledge of federal contracting regulations and best practices. Jenn lives in Cheektowaga, NY with her husband and three teenagers, two rescue dogs, and a budgie named Mango. She enjoys reading, walking, and volunteering in her spare time.

Professional Membership(s)

Society for Human Resource Management
American Payroll Association (APA)

Education

Bachelor of Science in Management Science and Spanish, State University College of New York – Geneseo, NY
Master of Business Administration, Human Resources, Argosy University – Sarasota, FL

Certifications

• HIPAA Certification, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training

Dr. Claire Fontaine joined our team as a Senior Project Manager, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous role at Inciter. She holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, an M.S.T. from Pace University, and a B.A. from Wesleyan University. Claire has been a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, a researcher at Data & Society Research Institute, and a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and professor of pre- and in-service teachers in the New York City public school system. She has published in the International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Social Media & Society, and the Journal of Information Systems Education. She has expertise in traditional and emerging qualitative and mixed methods, as well as the impact of technology on society.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys mind/body practices (Pilates, kundalini yoga, critical alignment yoga, swimming), reading darkly comic novels, getting outside in nature with her kids, and exploring the nooks and crannies of New York City. She loves spicy food, early bedtimes, and engaging with abolitionist, feminist, antiracist, and liberatory theory.

Professional Membership(s)

• American Evaluation Association
• New York Consortium of Evaluators

Education

• Ph.D., Urban Education: Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 2015
- Dissertation: Growing up online: Identity, development and agency in networked girlhoods

• MS of Secondary English/Language Arts Education, Pace University, 2005

• BA, Wesleyan University, 2002

Certifications

• HIPAA Certification, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification
• New York State Secondary English/Language Arts Teaching Certification, New York City Teaching Fellows Program, 2005

Publications

• Fontaine, Claire. Forthcoming, 2025. Listening for impact: Lessons from applying the Listening Guide to the evaluation of social service interventions. In Andrea Doucet and Natasha Mauthner (Eds.), The Routledge International Handbook on The Listening Guide Method: A Feminist Relational Approach. Routledge.

• Knestis, Kirk, Joselina Cheng, Claire Fontaine, and Rebekah Feng. 2022. Engaging government-industry-university partnerships to further gender equity in STEM workforce education through technology and information system learning tools. Journal of Information Systems Education, Volume 33, Issue 1, 23-31. https://jise.org/Volume33/n1/JISE2022v33n1pp23-31.html

• Fontaine, Claire, Amy Castro Baker, Tooma Zaghloul & Mae Carlson. 2020. Clinical data mining with the Listening Guide: An approach to narrative Big Qual. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Volume 19, 1-13. DOI: 10.1177/1609406920951746

• Marwick, Alice, Claire Fontaine & danah boyd. 2017. “‘Nobody sees it, nobody gets mad’: Social media, privacy, and personal responsibility among low-SES youth.” Social Media & Society, May 30.

• Fontaine, Claire & Wendy Luttrell. 2015. Re-centering the role of care in young people’s multimodal literacies: A collaborative seeing approach. Negotiating Spaces for Literacy Learning: Multimodality and Governmentality. Bloomsbury Books.

K joined the VIA Team in April of 2022. Their role includes overseeing internal data systems and providing support to the Administrative and Evaluation teams. A professional stage manager in the Buffalo area, K is passionate about organization and ensuring everyone has what they need to succeed. They specialize in creating and maintaining systems to keep everyday affairs running smoothly.

Outside of work, K enjoys reading, baking, and solving puzzles.

Education

BFA Theatre Design/Production; Computer & Statistical Analysis (Minor), Niagara University

Certifications

• Notary Public for the State of New York, 2022
• HIPAA Certification, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training

Meet Mrs. Hagstrom, a member of the Via Evaluation team since 2009. Emily is all about after-school programs and knows them inside out. You'll often spot her at local gatherings and conferences, where she shares her wisdom and connects with fellow enthusiasts. With over 15 years of experience working with 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grants, she's become our go-to guru for this grant line.

Beyond VIA, Emily is also a member of esteemed organizations such as the New York State Network for Youth Success, the National Afterschool Association, and the American Evaluation Association. Through her involvement in these networks, she stays abreast of the latest trends, research, and advancements in after-school programming, allowing her to continuously enhance her expertise and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.

She has successfully navigated the complexities of CCLC grants, consistently delivering exceptional results for our clients. Her deep understanding of the requirements, regulations, and best practices surrounding these grants enables her to provide invaluable support and strategic advice to organizations seeking funding for after-school programs. Her dedication to building strong relationships with our clients is what she finds most rewarding in her role.

With Mrs. Hagstrom's wealth of experience, infectious enthusiasm, and knack for creating impactful after-school programs, she's a force to be reckoned with. Count on her to bring a fresh perspective, foster meaningful connections, and make a positive impact on the lives of children.

Professional Membership(s)

American Evaluation Association
National AfterSchool Association
AfterSchool Works New York

Education

• MS Ed Adolescent Education: Saint Bonaventure University
• BA Spanish: Saint Bonaventure University

Project Experience

• 21st Century Community Learning Centers
• Arts in Education
• Community Schools Improvement
• Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention (ESD/SVP)
• McKinney-Vento
• Virtual AP
• Learning Technology Grants
• Program Development Grant to Prepare Students with Disabilities to Exit School with Work Readiness Skills
• Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network

Conferences

• Statewide 21st CCLC Kick Off, 2020
• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2020
• National AfterSchool Association Conference, 2016
• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2016
• National AfterSchool Association Conference, 2015
• Beyond School Hours Conference, 2015
• National AfterSchool Association Conference, 2014
• Beyond School Hours Conference, 2013
• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2012
• 21st CCLC Summer Institute, 2012
• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2010
• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2009
• New York State 21st CCLC/ESD Conference, 2009

Formal Training

• The Evaluator’s Institute: Making Evaluation Data Actionable, 2012
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Introduction to Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, 2011
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Professional Standards and Principles for Evaluation Practice, 2011
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Policy Evaluation and Analysis, 2010
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Management for Evaluators and Those with Oversight Responsibility, 2010
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Working with Evaluator Stakeholders, 2009
• The Evaluator’s Institute: The Basics of Program Evaluation, 2009

Certifications

• HIPAA Certification, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training
• NIH Human Participants Protection Education for Research Teams, 2009
• NYS Teaching Certificate in Spanish, Grades 7-12
• Green Security, LLC Clearance

Publications/Presentations

Emily E. Hagstrom and Jessica A. Weitzel. “Getting More from Your Data” Presented at the 21st CCLC Rest of State Resource Center's Conferences: Albany, NY, January and June 2018.

Emily E. Hagstrom and Kim Luce “No Gym, No Problem!” Presented at the National AfterSchool Association Conference: Orlando, FL, March 2016

Emily E. Hagstrom “Ask an Evaluator” Presented at the National AfterSchool Association Conference: Washington DC, March 2015

Emily E. Hagstrom and Christine E. B. Howard. “What is Evaluation and Why Should You Care?” Presented to the Organizational Development Network of Western New York: Amherst, New York, May 2013.

Emily E. Hagstrom and Jessica A. Wetizel (2012, October). "Working with New Grantees" Roundtable presentation at the American Evaluation Association National Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 2012.

Emily E. Hagstrom and Caroline A. Taggart. “Using Site Visits to Improve Programs” Presented at the American Evaluation Association National Conference: San Antonio, Texas, November 2010.

Amy Puca is a highly skilled and accomplished professional specializing in data strategy and governance. Currently serving in a leadership capacity at a small, women-owned evaluation consulting firm in Buffalo, New York, Amy has a proven track record of success in transforming data environments and driving informed decision-making.
With extensive experience in data governance and systems management, Amy has implemented robust frameworks to ensure data integrity, security, and compliance. She excels in managing complex data systems, ensuring seamless integration and efficient data flow across various platforms. Her strategic approach to data governance has significantly enhanced her clients' ability to collect meaningful data, driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
Amy's exceptional project management skills set her apart in the field. She is known for her ability to lead complex projects to successful completion, even under challenging circumstances. Her internal drive and commitment to excellence ensure that she consistently delivers high-quality work ahead of schedule. Testimonials from clients highlight her professional and responsive nature, as well as her ability to deliver high-quality work ahead of schedule.
In addition to her technical expertise, Amy is known for her exceptional interpersonal skills and her ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients alike. Her positive and collaborative approach ensures a seamless and productive engagement, making her a trusted partner in the field of data strategy. Her internal drive and commitment to excellence ensure that she consistently delivers high-quality work ahead of schedule.
Amy is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of her work and personal life. She is a strong and passionate ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Overall, Amy Puca is an exceptional leader who brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion to her role at VIA. Whether she is working with clients, colleagues, or community partners, Amy is always dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes and making a positive impact in the world.

Professional Membership(s)

American Evaluation Association
Eastern Evaluation Research Society

Education

• MA Psychology in Education: Clinical Psychology: Teachers College at Columbia University
• MS Secondary Mathematics Education: The City College of New York
• BS Honors Psychology: Wayne State University

Project Experience

• 21st Century Community Learning Center
• Classroom Observations
• Community Needs Assessment
• Community Schools Grant Initiative
• Comprehensive Abstinence Education Grant Program
• Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps)
• Data Consultation/Database Creation
• Department of Defense Education Activity Educational Partnership Program
• Department of Health and Human Services: Sexual Risk Avoidance Education, Comprehensive Abstinence Education
• Elementary and Secondary School Counseling
• Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention
• Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grant
• Journey Mapping
• Logic Modeling
• Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant
• Math and Science Partnership Program
• My Brother’s Keeper Family and Community Engagement Program
• National Science Foundation: Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
Needs Assessment
• Program Development Grant to Prepare Students with Disabilities to Exit School with Work Readiness Skills
• School District Attendance Analysis
• School District Discipline Analysis
• School District Performance Improvement
• Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Conferences

• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2018
• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2016
• National PBIS Leadership Forum, 2015
• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2015
• Eastern Evaluation Research Society Annual Conference, 2015
• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2014
• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2013
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers State Conference, 2013

Formal Training

• The Evaluators’ Institute: Introduction to Chat GPT4 for Evaluation and Evaluation Capacity Building, 2023
• Racial Equity Impact Analysis Training and Follow-Up Coaching, Race Matters Institute, 2020-2021
• AEA: Evaluating PK-12 Professional Learning Communities: An Improvement Science Perspective, 2018
• AEA: Using Evidence to Scale Up Community-Based Solutions that Work: A Federal Agency’s Framework and Approach, 2018
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Evaluating Training Programs: Frameworks and Fundamentals, 2018
• AEA: Beyond Capacity Building-Utilizing Evaluation for Organizational Success, 2015
• AEA: Meaningful Evaluation in the Context of Schools, 2015
• PBIS: Using TFI Fidelity Data & School Climate Data to Build PBIS Implementation Plans, 2015
• National Center for School Engagement-Evaluating Your Truancy Reduction Program, 2014
• AEA: Nonparametric Statistics, 2014
• AEA: Classroom Observation and Participatory Evaluation, 2014
• AEA: Using Extended Program Models (EPM) and Expanded Logic Models (ELM) to Integrate Complex Systems and Program Theories in Teacher Professional Development Evaluation, 2014
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers State Conference, 2013
• AEA: Working with Programs to Develop Effective Systems for Collecting Implementation Data, 2013
• AEA: Visualizing Process: How to Create a Stakeholder-friendly Graphic Timeline of Process Data, 2013
• Bullying in Your Community Training: Policies, Prevention, and Intervention, Pace Women’s Justice Center in conjunction with Tri-County Training Collaborative, 2012
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Applied Measurement for Evaluation, 2012

Certifications

• University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership’s Key Persons Leadership Development Certificate, 2022
• HIPAA Certification 2023, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training, 2023
• Mental Health First Aid USA Certificate, 2020
• NYS Education Department Fingerprinting
• New York State 5-12 Secondary Mathematics Teacher Certification, 2007
• College of Reading and Learning Association Level One Certification, 2003
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification for Human Research Protection Education
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification for HIPAA in Research
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification for Data Security in Research
• National Institute of Health (NIH) IRB Certification for Protection of Human Research Participants
• Green Security, LLC Clearance

Publications/Presentations

Puca, A. (2021, August). Ask an Evaluator. Grant Professionals Association Webinar.

Puca, A. (2018, October). Conducting Meaningful Classroom Observations. American Evaluation Association 2018 Annual Conference, Cleveland, OH.

Puca, A. (2016, October). Getting to Analysis: Developing Stakeholder Buy-In in the Data Collection Process! American Evaluation Association 2016 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Puca, A. (2016, October). Take a Deep Breath-Baby Steps to Evaluation Capacity Building! American Evaluation Association 2016 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Puca, A. (2016, October). Promoting Quality in Early Childhood Programs. Child Care Resource Network 2016 Annual Conference, Williamsville, NY.

Puca, A. (2015, April). Meeting Stakeholders Where They Are: Increasing Stakeholder Buy-in and Getting the Data You Need! Eastern Evaluation Research Society 2015 Annual Conference, Galloway, NJ.

Deb joined VIA in the midst of the Global Pandemic to support the adaptation of our strategic plan and accelerate our ability to adapt to meet client need.

Deb is excited to join VIA and apply her skills in organizational psychology and talent management to guide implementation of critical pieces of the company strategic plan. She loves helping organizations make sure they are giving employees every opportunity to do their best work.

Deb’s educational experience in Industrial/Organizational Psychology has offered her a well-developed understanding of data-driven organizational effectiveness. She also is an expert in Organizational Development, workforce analysis, change management, recruitment & selection, training, higher education administration, and institutional research. She has conducted a wide variety of organizational needs analyses and is familiar with a variety of applied performance metrics.

Eastern Evaluation Research Society Conference, 2021

Professional Membership(s)

American Evaluation Association
Society for Human Resource Management

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Business Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, IL, 2015
Dissertation: The Influence of Motives and Motive Fulfillment on Volunteer Board Member Performance
Master of Arts, Psychology, Medaille College – Buffalo, NY
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Alfred University – Alfred, NY

Certifications

SHRM-Certified Professional
• HIPPA Certification 2020, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training, 2020

Select Publications

Atlas, G.D., Taggart, T., & Goodell, D.J. 2004. The effects of sensitivity to criticism on motivation and performance in
music students, The British Journal of Music Education, 21, 81-87.

Abrardo, J., Atlas, G.D. Goodell, D.J, & Martin, M. An investigation of perceptual bias in the Kobe Bryant case,
Poster presented at the 113th APA National Convention, 2005.

Goodell, D.J. & Martin, M. The effects of varied musical interference on cognitive ability, Poster presented at the
Alfred University Undergraduate Research Forum, 2004.

Adam joined the VIA team in 2024 as a Data Engineer, coming from Inciter. His skill set and expertise center on data transformation, loading, automation, and management. Adam worked as an in-house data engineer for one of the largest video game retailers in the world. He has also spent much of his career in consulting, collaborating with smaller tech companies, medium-sized professional services firms, and one of the Big Four. He also has experience teaching, having served as an instructional assistant for a part-time data engineering and visualization course offered by Johns Hopkins University. Adam received his Bachelor of Science from The George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in Washington D.C.

Outside of work, Adam enjoys rock climbing, exploring D.C. on his bicycle, caring for his dozens of houseplants, watching scary movies with his friends, and playing video games.

Professional Membership(s)

American Evaluation Association

Education

BSc, Civil Engineering: The George Washington University

Certifications

• HIPAA Certification, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification

Meet Caroline Taggart, a dedicated professional passionate about helping organizations achieve their goals through strategic planning and evaluation. With a diverse background that includes teaching, directing research projects, and working in communities, Caroline brings a unique perspective to her role at Via Evaluation.

Caroline's journey began with several years as a middle school teacher, followed by several years of work in research settings. This experience fueled her desire to bridge the gap between rigorous research methodology and practical implementation in schools and communities. In pursuit of this goal, Caroline joined Via Evaluation.

Her portfolio encompasses a range of evaluation projects, including US Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods and School Climate Transformation Grants, Department of Defense Education Activity initiatives, and SAMHSA Medication Assisted Treatment and Mental Health Awareness grants. In addition, Caroline manages special projects including Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey analyses and reporting, conducting school attendance analyses, performing Community Needs Assessments, and developing program and organizational Logic Models and Theories of Change. While Caroline is well-versed in quantitative methodology, she also possesses a deep appreciation for qualitative research methods.

Caroline's educational background includes a BA in English from Barnard College and a Master's of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in addition to a secondary English Language Arts teaching certificate. During her time at UNC, she was awarded the Robert E. Bryan Fellowship for Community Service research and a US Department of Education Foreign Language Area Studies Scholarship. To continually enhance her evaluation skills, Caroline actively participates in professional development courses offered by The Evaluator's Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Evaluation Association's Annual Summer Institute, and the American Evaluation Association.

Caroline is a member of the American Evaluation Association, the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness, and the American Public Health Association, and serves on the Tapestry Charter School Board of Trustees and the Compeer Mental Health Advisory Committee. Her dedication to professional growth and involvement in her local community demonstrate her commitment to making a positive impact.

With Caroline's extensive knowledge, genuine passion for her work, and ability to bridge the gap between research methodology and practical implementation, she is an invaluable asset to any organization seeking comprehensive evaluation strategies and solutions.

Let Caroline Taggart help your organization unlock its full potential and achieve success through strategic planning and evaluation.

Professional Membership(s)

American Evaluation Association
American Public Health Association
Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness

Education

• MPH Health Behavior and Health Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2006
• Louisiana Teaching Certification, Secondary English Language Arts, The New Teacher Project, 2003
• BA English and Psychology: Barnard College, Columbia University, 2001

Recent Project Experience

• 21st Century Community Learning Center
• Arts Integration Initiative
• Department of Defense Education Activity
• Elementary and Secondary Counseling
• Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention
• Full-Service Community Schools
• Healing Centered Schools
• Promise Neighborhoods
• Community Approaches to Reducing STIs
• Medication Assisted Treatment to Opioid Use Disorder
• Optimally Changing the Map on Teen Pregnancy Prevention
• Teen Pregnancy Prevention Tier IB
• Medical Legal Partnership project
• NYS Unified Court System Alcohol and Drug Treatment Court
• NYS Unified Court System Human Trafficking Intervention Court
• Criteria Schools Admissions Scoring and Ranking
• Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey Analysis and Reporting

Formal Training

• American Evaluation Association: Adding Costs to Help Your Evaluation Get Used: Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit Analyses for Health and Human Services, 2020
• Perconter: Building a Student At-Risk Prediction Model, 2017
• American Evaluation Association e-Study: Monitoring and Evaluation Planning for Programs, 2017
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Linking Evaluation Questions to Analysis Techniques, 2013
• American Evaluation Association: Utilization-Focused Evaluation, 2011
• The Evaluators’ Institute: Design and Administration of Internet, Mail and Mixed-Mode Surveys, 2011
• American Evaluation Association: Determining Effect Size in Evaluation, 2010
• American Evaluation Association: Quantitative Methods for Evaluation, 2010
• The Evaluators’ Institute: Using Non-Experimental Designs for Impact Evaluation, 2010
• American Evaluation Association and Centers for Disease Control: Summer Training Institute, 2010

Certifications

• HIPAA Certification, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training
• What Works Clearinghouse Group Design Standards Training
• MVP Security Certification, Security Training
• NIH Human Participants Protection Education for Research Teams
• CITI Social/Behavioral Research Program in the Protection of Human Research Subjects
• Green Security, LLC Clearance

Recent Conferences

• Collective Impact Action Summit, 2021, 2022.
• New York Association of Treatment Court Professionals Annual Conference, 2021.
• American Public Health Association (APHA) 2021, 2020, 2017.
• American Evaluation Association Conference, 2021, 2019, 2013 – 2018.
• Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness Annual Conference, 2021, 2014 – 2018.
• American Education and Finance Policy (AEFP) 43rd Annual Conference, 2018.
• Global Implementation Conference, 2017.

Publications/Presentations

Taggart, C., Evaluation and measuring program effectiveness and outcomes. Presented at United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Board Leadership Training, annually 2016-2023.

Taggart, C., Hazelwood, A., Equity in Evaluation and Funding. Presented to the New York Funders Alliance, December 2021 and January 2022.

Weiss, A., Taggart, C., How to build a learning culture: Creating an Organizational Theory of Change for Better Evaluation. Presented to Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, March 2021.

Senter, L., Taggart, C., Middleton, D., Martin, S., Applying a collective impact framework to dramatically reduce teen pregnancy rates in Buffalo, New York: evaluating a collaborative approach to implementing systems-level changes and evidence-based interventions. Presented at the 10th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health, Arlington, VA, December 2021.

Taggart, C., Senter, L., Middleton, D., Martin, S., Drayton, M., HOPE Buffalo Initiative: Integrating the Collective Impact Framework to Guide a Countywide Cross-sector Collaboration to Reduce Buffalo’s Teen Pregnancy Rate. Presented at APHA 2017 Annual Meeting & Expo, Atlanta, GA.

Taggart, C., Hubbard, P., Survey Reports Simplified. Presented at AEA 2016 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Weitzel, J.A., Taggart, C., Evaluating “Mature” Programs That Aren’t So Mature: Practical and Ethical Implications. Presented at AEA 2015 Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

Weitzel, J.A., Taggart, C., Make Your Data Work for You. Presented at Association of New York State Youth Bureaus Annual Youth Development Training Conference, Niagara Falls, NY, October 2015.

Taggart, C., Alvarez, C., Maximizing Impact through Program Monitoring and Evaluation. Presented at Association of NY State Youth Bureaus Annual Youth Development Training Conference, Niagara Falls, NY, October 2015.

Taggart, C., Program Monitoring and Evaluation. Presented to United Way of Buffalo and Erie County Board Member Training. Buffalo, NY, May 2015.

Parks, K.A., Hsieh, Y., Taggart, C., Bradizza, C.M. 2014., A Longitudinal Analysis of Drinking and Victimization in College Women: Is There a Reciprocal Relationship? Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, (28:4), 943-951.

Weitzel, J.A., Taggart, C., Strategies for Effective Reporting. Presented at the American Evaluation Association’s Evaluation 2013 Annual Meeting: Washington, D.C.

Taggart, C., Alvarez, C., Closing the Gap: Partnering to Improve School Climate, Access to Mental Health Services, and Student Outcomes. Presented at the Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health: Washington, D.C., October 2013.

Taggart, C. Weitzel, J.A., Dealing with Sensitive Data in Community-Based Organization Settings. Presented at the American Evaluation Association’s Evaluation 2011 Annual Meeting: Anaheim, CA.

Taggart, C., Hagstrom, E., Using Site Visits to Improve Programs. Presented at the American Evaluation Association’s Evaluation 2010 Annual Meeting: San Antonio, TX, November 2010

Taggart, C. A., Abdullah-Rufai, A., Barriers to reproductive health care among Muslim immigrants in the Triangle area: A qualitative exploration. Accepted for presentation at American Public Health Association Annual Meeting: Philadelphia, PA, November 2009.

Taggart, C. A., Parks, K.A., Levonyan-Radloff, K., Hequembourg, A., A Qualitative Comparison of Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Involved Sexual Aggression in a Sample of College Women. Presented at Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Meeting: San Diego, California, June 2009.

Parks, K.A., Levonyan-Radloff, K., Collins, L., Taggart, C. A., A Qualitative Analysis of Risky Sexual Events Reported by a Sample of Young Women Bar Drinkers. Presented at Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Meeting: San Diego, California, June 2009.

Rebekah Thomas joined the Via Evaluation team in 2020. She holds a B.A. in History from Houghton University (formerly, Houghton College) and an M.A. in History from the University at Buffalo. Since moving to Buffalo in 2015, Rebekah has worked and volunteered for multiple community-based organizations focused on providing equitable access to education, reforming the criminal justice system, and supporting youth in foster care.

As a graduate student, Rebekah served as an AmeriCorps ABLE member at Upward Bound at D’Youville College, where she taught classes in college preparation and financial literacy and tutored students who were preparing for the U.S. History and Government and Global History Regents Examinations. During this time, she also worked as an academic tutor at an innovative college program designed specifically for English language learners.

After completing her master’s degree, Rebekah spent a year working for the New York Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement, where she educated community members about the use of solitary confinement in New York State and advocated for the passage of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act. Her burgeoning interest in criminal justice reform led her to take a position first as the coordinator and later the director of an Associate of Arts degree program for justice-involved students. In addition to administering the program, she taught a variety of courses in history and political science there.

In 2020, Rebekah’s passion for equitable access to education and criminal justice reform led her to co-edit a volume of best practices for college-in-prison programs and for institutions of higher education seeking to serve returning citizens more effectively. She continues to provide advice and support to new and emerging college-in-prison programs.

In her spare time, Rebekah serves as a board member at Homespace, an organization that supports youth in foster care and their children by providing housing, programming focused on developing independent-living skills, and clinical services.

At VIA, Rebekah enjoys using her background in education, criminal justice, qualitative research, and writing to serve our clients. She works on numerous U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice grants, and across projects, she focuses on qualitative data collection, employing many approaches to encourage true community participation and voice.

Professional Membership(s)

American Evaluation Association
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Theta Kappa

Education

MA History: State University of New York at Buffalo
Credential of Readiness: Harvard Business School
BA History: Houghton College (now Houghton University)
AA: Schenectady County Community College

Certifications

• HIPAA Certification, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification
• Credential of Readiness, Harvard Business School Online

Project Experience

• 21st Century Community Learning Centers (New York State Education Department)
• Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program (Bureau of Justice Assistance)
• Advancing Equity in Adolescent Health Through Evidence-Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs and Services (Office of Population Affairs)
• AmeriCorps 2019 Competitive Pool (New York State Office of Children and Family Services)
• AmeriCorps 2022-2023 Competitive Pool (New York State Office of Children and Family Services)
• Community Food Projects Competitive Grants (National Institute of Food and Agriculture)
• Family Drug Court Program (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention)
• Full-Service Community Schools (Office of Elementary and Secondary Education)
• Optimally Changing the Map for Teen Pregnancy (Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Assistant Secretary for Health)
• Second Chance Act: Adult Reentry Education, Employment, Treatment, and Recovery Program (Bureau of Justice Assistance)
• Second Chance Act: Comprehensive Community-based Adult Reentry Program (Bureau of Justice Assistance)
• Second Chance Act: Youth Offenders Reentry Program (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention)
• STOP School Violence Program (Bureau of Justice Assistance)
• Student Mental Health Support Grants (New York State Office of Mental Health)
• Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program (Office of Elementary and Secondary Education)
• Teen Pregnancy Prevention Project (Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families)
• Victims’ Legal Assistance (New York State Office of Victim Services)
• Classroom Observations
• Community Needs Assessments
• Evaluation Capacity Building
• Focus Groups
• Key Informant Interviews
• Logic Modeling
• Survey Design and Analysis
• Theories of Change

Conferences

• American Evaluation Association Annual Conference, 2020, 2021, 2022
• Collective Impact Action Summit, 2021

Formal Training

• Co-Creating a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive World with Appreciative Inquiry, Spaciousness Works, 2022
• Data Storytelling, EnCompass Learning Center, 2022
• Complex Documents in Microsoft Word, Training, 2021
• Using Interviews to Enhance Evaluation Practice, EnCompass Learning Center, 2021
• Mental Health First Aid for Adults, Compeer of Greater Buffalo, 2020
• Microsoft Power BI – Up & Running with Power BI Desktop, Udemy online course, 2020
• Quantitative Evaluation Data: 12 Steps for Organizing and Cleaning, American Evaluation Association, 2020
• Racial Equity Impact Analysis Training, Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo and JustPartners, Inc., 2020
• You Built It. Why Won’t They Come? Evaluation Capacity Building, American Evaluation Association, 2020
Certifications

Certifications

• HIPAA Security and Privacy Training
• I.R.B Certification for Human Subject Research

Publications/Presentations

• Thomas, R. (May 2024). Logic Models: What They Are and Why They’re Important. WNY Prosperity Fellows. Buffalo, NY.
• Kimble, R. (April 2021). Ending Mass Incarceration: A Bipartisan Way Forward. Canisius College, Race, Law, and Politics. Buffalo, NY.
• McMay, D. V. and Kimble, R. D. (Eds.). (March 2020). Higher Education Accessibility Behind and Beyond Prison Walls. IGI Global.
• Kimble, R., McEachon, C. (June 2018). Reducing Recidivism One Degree at a Time. Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center for Race, Equality, and Mission. Niagara Falls, NY.
• Kimble, R. (April 2018). Increasing Access to Higher Education for Returning Citizens. Niagara University, Offender Reentry Class. Niagara Falls, NY.

Jessica is driven to provide meaningful, honest, timely information in a way that impacts peoples’ perspectives and actions. She has honed her measurement skills through client projects, ongoing professional development, and active listening over the past 20+ years of professional practice. This allows her to bring many perspectives and experiences to the work of VIA. She knows that determining the why, what, and how of measurement is essential to telling your data story.

She has completed a wide range of projects funded by federal and state governments, foundations, community-based organizations, school districts, and others in a variety of settings. Through this experience, she understands that while common methods can be applied across projects, each client and project has unique strengths, needs, and contexts that affect the process, from planning through reporting.

In addition to company strategy and ensuring we deliver quality work at VIA, Ms. Weitzel serves in several volunteer roles. She is the past Program Co-Chair of AEA's 'Data Visualization and Reporting' group and is a member of the United Way ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Research Advisory Committee. She regularly presents at national and local conferences about evaluation, grants, and data governance and use. She is most satisfied when she works with people in real-world settings to collect, understand, and use data for important decisions.

Jessica is proud to be co-owner of a [certified WBE] business! As a mother of daughters and a Girl Scout leader, she knows that women business leaders have an important role to play in guiding the next generation of socially responsible entrepreneurs.

Professional Membership(s)

American Evaluation Association
Grant Professionals Association
New York State Network for Youth Success

Education

• MPH Behavioral Science and Health Education: Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
• BA English: State University of New York at Geneseo

Project Experience

• Community-Based Re-entry Programs
• Community Needs Assessment
• Coordinated School Health
• Dual Language/Two-Way Bilingual Education
• Evaluation Capacity Building
• Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention
• Full-Service Community Schools
• Out-of-School Time Programs
• School Climate
• Reproductive Health Education
• Teacher Training and Development
• Youth Risk Behavior and other Survey analysis and reporting

Formal Training

• AEA: Novel and Fun Ways to Increase Staff and Organizational Evaluation Capacity, 2023
• AEA: Facilitation Matters: Advanced Techniques for Evaluators, 2024
• AEA: Developing all types of Evaluation Budgets, 2024
• AEA: Moving from resistance to action: Navigating resistance in service of equity in evaluation, 2022
• AEA: Leadership Matters in Evaluation, 2022
• Diversity Equity Inclusion - Understanding Bias, 2022
• Building Your Capacity and Resiliency Appropriately with Nonprofit Lifecycles, 2021
• 21-day Racial Equity Challenge, 2021
• Racial Equity Impact Analysis, 2020
• Scrum Basics for Nonprofits, 2020
• Annie E. Casey Foundation: Results Count Leadership Training, 2017
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Conducting Successful Evaluation Surveys, 2017
• Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness: Cost Analysis for Evaluation in Education, 2016
• American Evaluation Association: Intermediate & Advanced Introduction to GIS in Evaluation eStudy, 2015
• Community Solutions Planning and Evaluation: Program Sustainability Planning, 2014
• American Evaluation Association: Applications of Multiple Regression for Evaluators: Mediation, Moderation, and More, 2013
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Linking Evaluation Questions to Analysis Techniques, 2013
• American Evaluation Association: Data Dashboard Design, 2012
• American Evaluation Association – Centers for Disease Control Summer Evaluation Institute, 2012
• American Evaluation Association: Developmental Evaluation for Beginners eStudy, 2012
• American Evaluation Association: Intermediate Consulting Skills, 2011
• American Evaluation Association: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Health and Human Service Programs, 2011
• University at Buffalo: Peer Victimization and Bullying: Research and Prevention Strategies, 2011
• Nonprofit Works: Using Logic Models to Plan Programs and Write Grants, 2011
• Results Based Accountability Training, 2010
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Evaluation Consulting Business Skills, 2009
• The Evaluator’s Institute: Alternative Evaluation Designs, 2009
• The Evaluator’s Institute: The Basics of Program Evaluation, 2007
• American Evaluation Association: Using Systems Tools, 2007
• American Evaluation Association: Using Systems Thinking, 2007

Certifications

• HIPAA Certification, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training
• What Works Clearinghouse Group Design Standards Training, 2017
• MVP Security Certification, Security Training, 2016
• NIH Human Participants Protection Education for Research Teams
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification for Human Research Protection Education
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification for HIPAA in Research
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification for Data Security in Research
• Green Security, LLC Clearance

Conferences

• AEA Annual Conference Sessions, annual
• Grant Professionals Association Annual Conference, semi-annual
• New York State Network for Youth Success Conference, semi-annual
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers New York State Conference, semi-annual
• United Way ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) National Summit, 2024
• Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference, 2023
• Collective Impact Action Summit, 2023
• Good Tech Fest, 2023
• AEA: Novel and Fun Ways to Increase Staff and Organizational Evaluation Capacity, 2023
• AEA: Moving from resistance to action: Navigating resistance in service of equity in evaluation, 2022
• AEA: Leadership Matters in Evaluation, 2022
• Promise Neighborhoods/Community Schools Federal Conference, 2017, 2019
• Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness, 2015
• New York State Public Health Association Conference, 2012
• American School Health Association Annual Conference, 2010
• Community-Based Abstinence Education Grant Conference, 2009
• Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health, 2009

Publications/Presentations

Weitzel, J.A. (December 2024). Data for Impact. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Buffalo, NY.

Weitzel, J.A. (November 2024). Evaluating Nonprofit Capacity Building Efforts. The Nonprofit Support Group, Buffalo, NY.

Weitzel, J.A. (scheduled, August 2024). Choose Your Own Adventure: Evaluation Edition. Grant Professional Association webinar.

Weitzel, J.A., Leonard, D. (November 2022). We all Win: Tips for Grant Writer-Evaluator Collaboration. Grant Professionals Association Annual Conference, Louisville, KY.

Weitzel, J.A. (July 2022). Working with a Community Schools Independent Evaluator. Strive Together Network webinar.

Weitzel, J.A. (February 2022). Building Positive Evaluation Partnerships. Grant Professionals Association webinar.

Presentations: Weitzel, J.A., Holbrook, E. (October 2020). Evaluation Planning: Helping Clients Stay on that Yellow Brick Road. Grant Professionals Association Annual Conference, Denver, CO.

Weitzel, J.A., Battaglia, M. (April 2018). Grant Writing and Evaluation: A Perfect Pair. New York State Network for Youth Success Annual Conference. Saratoga Springs, NY

Weitzel, J.A., Hagstrom, E. (2018, January). Getting More from Your Data. 21st CCLC Rest of State Resource Center’s Conference. Albany, NY.

Weitzel, J.A. (2017, January). Finding and Incorporating Research to Increase Program Effectiveness. Afterschool Network of Western New York Professional Development Training. Buffalo, NY.

Dickinson, H., Weitzel, J.A. (2016, November). Starting with the End in Mind: Write Better Proposals by Increasing Your Knowledge of Evaluation. Annual Conference of the Grant Professionals Association, Atlanta, GA.

Hubbard, P.H., Weitzel, J.A. (2016, October). Scaling up Your Dataviz. American Evaluation Association (AEA) 2016 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Weitzel, J.A., Knetsis, K. (2016, October). Designing Evaluations for State and Federal Program Grants. AEA 2016 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Weitzel, J.A., Taggart C. (2016, April). Crafting a Useful Logic Model. 2016 ASW:NYSAN Annual Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Weitzel, J.A., Session Chair. (2015, November). Four Creative Ways to Use Dashboards that You Might Not Have Thought Of. AEA 2015 Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

Weitzel, J.A., Taggart, C. (2015, November). Evaluating “Mature” Programs That Aren’t So Mature: Practical and Ethical Implications. AEA 2015 Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

Weitzel, J.A., Taggart, C. (2015, October). Make Your Data Work for You. Association of New York State Youth Bureaus Annual Youth Development Training Conference, Niagara Falls, NY.

Weitzel, J.A. Moderator. (2015, March). Innovation Webinar: Digital Storytelling. Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3) Project Webinar

Weitzel, J.A. (2015, January). Time-Saving Tips and Tricks for Low Cost Data Visualization and Reporting. American Evaluation Association Coffeebreak Webinar Series

Weitzel, J.A. (2014, October). Report Whisperer: Tips and Tricks for Low Cost Visualization and Reporting. American Evaluation Association 2014 Annual Conference, Denver, CO.

Bohen, E., Jackson, K., DeGeorge, K., Weitzel, J.A. (2014, October). PBIS Implementation in a Large Urban District. Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention Coordinator Meeting, Albany, NY.

Weitzel, J.A. (2014, May). Tools for Program Sustainability. Michigan AfterSchool Association Summer Summit, East Lansing, MI.

Taggart, C., Weitzel, J.A. (2013, November). Crafting a Useful Logic Model. Child Care Resource Network Annual Conference, Amherst, NY.

Weitzel, J.A., Taggart, C. (2013, October). Don’t Let Your Data be a Doorstop: How to Convey Results for Action. American Evaluation Association 2013 Annual Conference, Washington, DC.

Weitzel, J.A., Session Chair. (2013, October). Successes and Challenges of Educational Evaluation and Evaluation Capacity Building Within an International Context: Governments and Schools in Santiago, Chile Propose to Address School Violence Utilizing National and International Educational, Training, and Evaluation Teams. American Evaluation Association 2013 Annual Conference, Washington, DC.

Weitzel, J.A. (2013, August). Using Piktochart to Create Infographics for Evaluation. American Evaluation Association Coffee Break Webinar

Weitzel, J.A., Howard, C. (2012, October). Innovative Tools for Evaluation Project Management. Presentation at the American Evaluation Association Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Weitzel, J.A., Hagstrom, E. (2012, October). Working with New Grantees. Roundtable presentation at the American Evaluation Association Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Weitzel, J. A., Taggart, C. (2011, November). Dealing with Sensitive Data in Community-based Settings. Presentation at the American Evaluation Association Annual Meeting, Anaheim, California.

Howard, C., Weitzel, J. A. (2011, May). Innovative Tools for Evaluation Project Management. Presentation at the Eastern Evaluation Research Society, Galloway, New Jersey.

Mys, D., Usdan, S., Arriola, KJ, Weitzel, J.A., Bernhardt, J. 2009. Development and Validation of the Retrospective Alcohol Context Scale. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, (35:2), 109-114.

Weitzel, J. A. (2009, May). Using Wireless Handheld Computers and Other Technologies to Reduce the Negative Consequences of Drinking Alcohol. Presentation at the University of New Mexico Community DWI Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Usdan, S., Martin, R.J., Mays, D., Cremeens, J., Jacob-Arriola, K., Aungst-Weitzel, J. & Bernhardt, J. 2008. Self-reported consequences of intoxication among college students: Implications for harm reduction approaches to high-risk drinking. Journal of Drug Education (38:4), 377-387.

Weitzel, J. A., Nochajski, T. H., Coffey, S., Farrell, M. G. 2007. Mental health among suburban drug court participants. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, (33:3), 475-481.

Weitzel, J. A., Bernhardt, J., Usdan, S., Mays, D., Glanz, K. 2007. Using Wireless Handheld Computers and Tailored Text Messaging to Reduce Negative Consequences of Drinking Alcohol. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, (68:4), 534.

Bernhardt, J.M., Usdan, S., Mays, D., Arriola, K.J., McGill, T., Weitzel, J.A., Cremeens, J., Martin, R.J. 2007. Alcohol assessment using wireless handheld computers: A pilot study. Addictive Behaviors (32:12), 3065-3070.

Aungst, J., Nochajski, T.H., and Farrell, M. G. 2006. Assessing mental health in a drug court. [Abstract]. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 30(6), Supplement, P610.

Farrell, M. G., Weitzel, J. A., Nochajski, T. H., Coffey, S. (2006, November). Improving identification and treatment of co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness in therapeutic justice courts. Poster presentation at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Substance Abuse Policy and Research Project Annual Meeting, Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Farrell, M. G., Weitzel, J. A., Nochajski, T. H. (2006, November). Extending the Therapeutic Justice Model to problem gamblers. Poster presentation at the 2006 Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, Boston, MA.

Aungst, J., Nochajski, T. H., Farrell, M. G. (2006, June). Assessing mental health in a drug court. Poster presentation at the 29thAnnual Scientific Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, Baltimore, MD.

Koski, G., Aungst, J., Kupersmith, J., Getz, K., Rimoin, D. 2005. Cooperative research ethics review boards—a win-win solution? IRB: Ethics and Human Research, 27(3), 1–7.

Farrell, M. G., Nochajski, T. H., Aungst, J. (2005, November). Characteristics of drug court participants with additional mental health problems. Poster presentation at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Substance Abuse Policy and Research Project Annual Meeting, Tucson, Arizona.

Aungst, J., Bernhardt, J. M., Usdan, S., Mays, D., Glanz, K. (2005, December). Using wireless handheld computers to reduce the negative consequences of drinking alcohol. Oral presentation at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Usdan, S., Aungst, J., Cremeens, J., Martin, R. J., Bernhardt, J. M. (2005, December). Context and consequences of heavy drinking among college students: Results from a series of undergraduate focus groups. Poster presentation at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Bernhardt, J. M., Usdan, S., Mays, D., Aungst, J., Cremeens, J., Martin, R.. (2005, December). Improving alcohol assessment with wireless handheld computers. Poster presentation at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Aungst, J., Haas, A., Ommaya, A., Green, L., Eds. IOM. 2003. Exploring Challenges, Progress, and New Models for Engaging the Public in the Clinical Research Enterprise: Workshop Summary. Washington, DC: Nat. Academies Press.

Vicki joined the Via Evaluation team in 2020. Her passion for program evaluation began when she worked for an evaluation firm that specialized in supporting state and federal special education grants. Through this experience, she developed her skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and visualization.

Vicki received her B.A. in History from Nazareth College and her M.S. in Library and Information Science from Simmons University. She has a background in a variety of library settings, including public and academic libraries and archives. Vicki is enthusiastic about using her knowledge and skills to help organizations gather high-quality data and use that data to make informed decisions that drive positive change.

Professional Membership(s)

American Evaluation Association

Education

MS Library and Information Science: Simmons University
BA History: Nazareth College

Certifications

• HIPAA Certification, HIPAA Security & Privacy Training
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) IRB Certification