Steven Ellis, M.P.A. is Director of Research and Evaluation. Since joining the Institute in 1994, he has led the design and implementation of a wide range of studies in fields including education, health care, and economic development. Beginning in 2001, Mr. Ellis served as the group’s Senior Research Manager, supporting client relations and internal operations, and providing project management and methods support to research staff.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ellis has led studies for a broad array of clients. Examples include: evaluation of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership; a study of organizational change within the Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Education System; evaluation of the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Service’s “Better Access to Organizations Network” (BATON) initiative; and a National Cancer Institute study of factors affecting adoption of evidence-based practices.

In recent years, his research has focused intensely on issues in K-12 education reform. Examples include: “Gaining Traction”, a 30-site study of factors influencing achievement in urban public schools for the MA Office for Educational Quality and Accountability; an evaluation of the New Hampshire Extended Learning Opportunities pilot funded by Nellie Mae Education Foundation; and several studies for the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), including evaluations of the Commonwealth Pilot Schools Initiative, DESE’s Urban District Assistance system, and New Superintendents Induction Program.

Mr. Ellis received a master's degree in public administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He received his B.A. from North Adams State College.

(413) 587-2405

Sonia Bouvier, M.P.H. is a Research Analyst/Coordinator with 20 years of experience working with human service and community education programs. She has worked with programs addressing domestic violence, child sexual abuse, tobacco use and HIV/AIDS, and with organizations serving uninsured and underinsured individuals. Her current projects include evaluations of a Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative and of programs designed to increase student interest in math and science.

Ms. Bouvier earned a Master’s degree in Public Health, with a concentration in community health education from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania . She received a B.A. from Vassar College.

(774) 455-7373

Molly Breitbart, M.P. H. is a Research Analyst working with public health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Drawing on her background in public health promotion and ten years of experience in community outreach and education, she works with clients to develop and implement evaluation plans that collect process and outcome data, support ongoing program improvement, and meet federal reporting requirements. Her research interests include community health access and utilization; housing and homelessness; harm reduction and substance use treatment; HIV/AIDS prevention; and social justice.

Ms. Breitbart earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her undergraduate degree is from Haverford College.

(413) 587-2421

Jill Capitani, M.P.P. is a Research Manager specializing in human service and educational programs. Ms. Capitani has experience with a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including survey research, needs assessment, case study, interviewing, and focus groups. Much of her professional experience has included work with programs addressing youth development, education, welfare reform, and violence prevention.  She has also provided technical assistance to state and local government agencies and to community-based organizations.

Ms. Capitani received her M.P.P. from Georgetown University. She holds a B.A. in political science and Sociology from Colgate University.

(617) 835-1612

Christina Citino is a Senior Research Manager with more than fifteen years of experience working with human service agencies and programs. She has extensive experience providing community-based organizations with program development, needs assessment, and program evaluation services. Her professional experience has included work with programs addressing substance abuse treatment, HIV prevention, violence prevention, youth development, access to health care, and housing. She has provided training and technical assistance to community-based agencies in the development and implementation of outcomes measurement systems. Recently, Ms. Citino completed a report on the future needs of the human services workforce in Massachusetts.

Ms. Citino received her B.A. in sociology from Temple University.

(413) 587-2404

Mariana Gerena-Melia, Ph.D. is a Research Manager whose current work is focused on the coordination of public health care and services. Her past experience includes management of projects focused on effective measurement of program implementation, development of composite measures of quality in nursing home care, and translation and adaptation of mental health outcome measures to enhance understanding of ethnic disparities in mental health treatment. Before joining the Donahue Institute, she worked at Boston University’s Medical Campus Center for Health Quality, Outcomes and Economic Research, and Boston University’s Medical Campus Center for Organization, Leadership, and Management Research.

Dr. Gerena completed her Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also holds an M.A. in sociology and a B.A. in sociology and Latin American studies, also from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

(413) 587-2412

Alison Glasgow is a Research Analyst conducting evaluations of treatment and prevention initiatives for a variety of human service agencies. She works with each organization closely to develop and implement comprehensive evaluation plans to meet federal reporting requirements and ensure that data support ongoing program improvement. Her research interests include homelessness, barriers to housing, and housing instability; substance abuse and mental health treatment; youth development; and HIV prevention. Her previous position at a homeless shelter for families provided her first hand experience with vulnerable populations and direct service provision.

Ms. Glasgow received her B.A. in Sociology and Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

(413) 587-2414

Shelley Goodgold, Sc.D. is a Research Manager currently focused on a public health initiative designed to enhance state-wide access to quality chronic disease self-management programming. She has extensive knowledge of evidence-based health care practices, and draws from a broad array of perspectives including clinician, educator, researcher, advocate, administrator, consultant, and caregiver. Prior to joining the Donahue Institute, she was appointed Professor Emeritus by Simmons College after a 25 year career in academia.

Dr. Goodgold received her Sc.D. in therapeutic studies and M.S. in physical therapy with a specialization in administration from Boston University. She earned her B.S. in physical therapy at New York University.

(617) 624-5443

Jennifer Gordon, M.P.P. is a Senior Research Manager specializing in the evaluation of education reform initiatives. Ms. Gordon has extensive experience integrating quantitative and qualitative data including student assessments, activity logs, surveys, and interviews. Prior to joining the Institute, Ms. Gordon worked as a management consultant employing the Balanced Scorecard methodology for strategic planning and performance measurement.

Ms. Gordon completed her graduate studies at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, where she earned a master's degree in public policy with a concentration in quantitative methods and program evaluation. She received a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

(774) 455-7376

Annette Hunt is a Research Manager who is currently conducting evaluations for a number of state-level K-12 education technology integration initiatives. Drawing on her training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, Ms. Hunt typically employs a mixed methods approach in her evaluation designs. Her research interests include education reform, social networks, and community organizations. Prior to joining the Donahue Institute, Ms. Hunt was director of a non-profit organization in Los Angeles and conducted research at the UCLA School of Education.

Ms. Hunt is currently completing the requirements for the Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She received her B.A. in Sociology from California State University.

(413) 587-2408

Lonnie Kaufman, M.S. is a Senior Research Manager specializing in local, state, and federal educational initiatives and programs. Mr. Kaufman has over twenty-five years of experience working within and on behalf of public schools at the secondary and higher education levels throughout the U.S. His work has focused on conducting research and evaluation, managing projects, and providing professional development. He employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and has extensive experience writing reports reflecting key findings of data analysis.

Mr. Kaufman received his M.S. in school counseling from San Diego State University. He earned his B.A. in anthropology and secondary teaching from SUNY at Stony Brook.

(413) 587-2419

Sue Leibowitz, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Manager and Statistician. She has many years of experience as a researcher and evaluator in the areas of education and human services and as a teacher of statistics and evaluation. Dr. Leibowitz has worked with federally funded multi-site national research and evaluation projects and numerous community-based projects. She has extensive experience developing research protocol, creating and administering surveys, and conducting statistical analyses of large, complex data sets.

Dr. Leibowitz received her Ph.D. in educational research, measurement, and evaluation from Boston College, an M.Ed. in special education at the University of Massachusetts, an M.S.I.S. (Master of Science in Information Systems) from Northeastern University, and a B.A. from the University of Vermont.

(413) 587-2403

Eliot Levine, Ph.D. is a Research Manager specializing in education and human service initiatives. He has twenty years of research and applied experience working with public schools, nonprofit organizations, and mental health settings. His research and evaluation work has focused on school reform, substance abuse treatment and prevention, HIV prevention, and early childhood development. After publishing his book One Kid at a Time: Big Lessons from a Small School, which supported the scaleup of a national school reform model, he taught for seven years at two alternative public high schools.

Dr. Levine received his Ph.D. and M.A. in clinical and community psychology from the University of Maryland and his B.S. in electrical engineering and psychology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

(413) 587-2418

Hadley Moore, Ph.D. is a Research Analyst who has conducted evaluations of a broad range of educational programs. Her current work includes the evaluation of professional development programs intended to enhance the use of educational technology, and field testing of innovative medical information dissemination tools. Ms. Moore has experience working in public schools as well as early intervention and mental health settings. She is knowledgeable in the areas of response to intervention, universal screening and progress monitoring, tiered instruction, as well as behavioral applications of response to intervention, such as positive behavioral support.

Dr. Moore received her Ph.D. and M.Ed. in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her undergraduate degree is from Colby College.

(774) 455-7361

Aliza Porth, M.P.H. is a Research Analyst whose current work is focused on the evaluation of public health prevention initiatives, including interventions designed to prevent suicide, substance abuse, and HIV transmission. Her background in community health prevention and promotion initiatives provides a solid basis for assisting organizations as they monitor program implementation and impact. Working in partnership with clients, Ms. Porth collaborates with organizations to gather data on process and outcome measures that will meet federal reporting requirements and prove useful in ongoing program quality improvement. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked for the Town of Enfield, Connecticut where she managed substance abuse, suicide, and bullying prevention grants.

Ms. Porth completed her graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts, where she earned a Master’s in Public Health. Her undergraduate degree is from Ithaca College.

(413) 587-2411

Paula Quinn, M.A. is a Research Manager focusing on assessment and evaluation of pre-K through post-secondary education programs and professional development programs for educators. She has worked on local, state, and federal projects relating primarily to the areas of literacy, science, technology, engineering, and math, and she is experienced in both quantitative and qualitative methods. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked as an independent assessment and evaluation consultant.

Ms. Quinn received an M.A. in developmental psychology from Clark University and a B.A. in psychology from Case Western Reserve University.

(413) 587-2409

Stefanie Santaniello, M.P.P.A.; M.B.A. is a Research Manager whose current work is focused on education policy and evaluation. Prior to joining the Donahue Institute, she worked at the Regional Information Center of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, where she supported a variety of research projects in the areas of economic development and education.

Ms. Santaniello completed her graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts, where she earned a Master's in Public Policy and Administration and a Master's in Business Administration. Her undergraduate degree is from Boston College.

(413) 587-2407

Greta Shultz, Ed.D. is a Senior Research Manager conducting applied research and program evaluation in the areas of education and human services. She has worked with community-based organizations, K-12 school districts, public school/higher education partnerships, state and national departments of education, and international development agencies. Strongly grounded in qualitative research design, she employs methods such as case study, focus group, interview, and participant-observation. She has also worked in the domestic violence field for years, providing training and direct service.

Dr. Shultz received her M.Ed. and Ed.D. in educational policy, research and administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her B.A. from Oberlin College.

(413) 587-2406

Jean Supel, M.S. is a Research Manager specializing in education research. She has experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, performance measurement, program evaluation, and survey development. Her current projects involve evaluation of math and science programs and tracking state education and economic indicators. Ms. Supel’s background includes work as a researcher in the areas of local government, public safety, economics, education, and community involvement; and as director of both education and volunteer programs for non-profit agencies.

Ms. Supel holds an M.S. in education from Indiana University and received a B.A. in comparative social policy from the University of Minnesota.

(774) 455-7375

Katherine Szczerbacki, J.D., M.A. is a Research Analyst currently conducting an evaluation of literacy initiatives in Massachusetts. Her professional interests include the intersection of philanthropy and educational initiatives. Prior to joining the Donahue Institute, she worked as a research assistant at the Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy, where she managed an evaluation of a healthcare foundation’s career and work education initiative and also served on projects related to family foundations’ best practices, philanthropy courses in higher education, and alumni education programs.

Ms. Szczerbacki received her J.D. from the SUNY at Buffalo Law School and completed her B.A. in economics and political science at Alfred University. She is currently completing her requirements for a Ph.D. at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management.

(774) 455-7374

John Tapper, Ph.D. is a Research Manager who focuses on the evaluation of educational programs and policies. He has extensive experience in public education as a teacher, administrator, and researcher. In his research, John makes use of predictive statistical models, multivariate analysis, and mixed methods. His research interests include teaching practices to improve mathematics learning, and increasing student success in high poverty schools.

Mr. Tapper received his Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from New York University. He holds degrees from Vermont College, the University of Maine, and College of the Atlantic.

(802) 522-5821

Beth-Ann Tek is a Research Manager whose current evaluation work is focused on educational policy and school improvement, and on implementation of an NIH grant to support the translation of health research into clinical care at the UMass Medical Center. Ms. Tek previously served as a Senior Research Associate at The Education Alliance at Brown University, where she managed the design and implementation of evaluations related to: state- and district-level educational accountability systems; education initiatives such as the Teaching American History and Smaller Learning Communities programs; and various school-level literacy, mathematics, and socio-cultural programs.

Ms. Tek received a BA in Business Management from Bryant University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Rhode Island.

(774) 455-7359

Joseph Wyman, M.P.P.A. is a Research Analyst who works with a variety of human service, education, and economic development initiatives. His particular areas of interest include school choice programs, affordable housing, and community development. Prior to joining the Donahue Institute, he worked as Project Director for a public health program in western Maine. The goals of this program were to reduce or eliminate tobacco use, protect people from the impact of second hand smoke, improve nutrition choices and increase physical activity levels in the communities served.

Mr. Wyman graduated with a master's degree in public policy and administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he also earned his B.A.

(413) 587-2401

Ivana Zuliani, M.A. is a Research Manager specializing in the evaluation of system-wide education reform efforts. Ms. Zuliani has extensive experience managing summative and formative evaluation projects of community-based initiatives as well as state-level, regional, and national education programs. Prior to joining the Donahue Institute, she served as a senior research associate with The Education Alliance at Brown University, evaluating a variety of school improvement efforts, adolescent literacy programs, and initiatives focusing on the development of pre-literacy skills in young children.

Ms. Zuliani received her M.A. in Sociology from Brown University. She holds a graduate diploma in Institutional Administration from Concordia University, where she also received her B.A.

(413) 587-2417