Program Evaluation

& Research Design

Quality program evaluations strengthen organizations and improve supports to clients and communities.

Low-income housing, Seattle, WA

With 25+ years of evaluation and research experience Heather is uniquely positioned to design, develop, and conduct program evaluations. Heather has spearheaded numerous evaluations of programs and services, in various sectors including: health care, social services, affordable housing, care of unhoused people, and more. In designing a program evaluation it is important to work closely with your organization and clients who have a vested interest in the services. Heather believes in the value of community and community-based organizations. This, combined with her evaluation and research skills, means she is the ideal person to fairly evaluate programs and, where applicable, identify ways to revitalize and strengthen programs and organizations.

Program evaluations are crucial in revitalizing services, and demonstrating the importance of current programs.

Evaluation services that are available include any or all of the following:

  • consulting on an evaluation design,

  • developing a complete evaluation project,

  • conducting the program evaluation,

  • training local or peer researchers,

  • and writing a report on the results.

Bridges Supportive Housing, Quesnel, BC

Additional research goals Heather can assist with include:

  • evaluating and revising an existing program,

  • designing a needs assessment to develop a new set of services,

  • overseeing a review of organizational structures,

  • or researching current best practices in service provision to a specific population.

Heather’s interests and expertise include the areas of affordable housing, homelessness, and substance use, among others.

Research is custom designed to meet your unique needs and interests.

Heather’s Research & Community Experience

Heather’s research experience includes 23 years as an Associate Professor at a university. As such the research has been thorough, peer evaluated, and well planned. These studies have received ethical approval and findings have been published. Before her tenure at the university, Heather conducted program evaluations independently.

Heather has extensive experience with non-profit and community-based organizations, including:

  • 7 years as an Executive Director of a non-profit organization

  • and 10 years as a member of a Board of Directors for a shelter for unhoused people.

Heather understands the challenges facing community programs, and can work with you to develop a program evaluation that best meets your organization’s interests. Learn more about Heather’s experience, or contact her for a discussion of what you need.