Andrea’s training and values lie in the importance of a culturally relevant and participatory approach utilizing a variety of evaluative methods specifically tailored to the client and project. Since 2008 she has engaged in impact measurement and evaluation, community and market research, and strategic consulting. Much of her experience has been with non-profit organizations working on a variety of projects ranging from developing and implementing full evaluation plans, to specific research projects, to community action planning and facilitation. Her work primarily focuses on designing impact and evaluation programs from theories of change and logic models, to data collection instruments, to data management systems to standardized reporting systems. She has designed and facilitated a multitude of focus groups and community meetings centered on gaining feedback to influence development projects.

Michael has worked with non-profits on their community-based development initiatives since 2008. He specializes in providing impact, research, and strategy services while utilizing methods including surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, and unobtrusive measures. Michael assists organizations in collecting data and telling their stories related to impacts, assessing community needs and opportunities, and streamlining program delivery. Since 2014 his work has focused on conducting research and evaluation efforts that explore the needs and assets of specific organizations to accomplish goals and create solutions within their communities. He is especially experienced in issues related to economic development, workforce development, and housing.

Mary’s knowledge and skills center on research, data analysis, and reporting. She has six years of experience in data collection, management, analysis, and report writing. Understanding the importance of telling a complete story, Mary prioritizes well-rounded reports tailored to clients’ visions – either traditional or infographic report styles. She has experience building and managing databases for a multitude of projects and clients ranging from arts evaluations to Community Development Financial Institutions impact tracking using software such as Microsoft Excel, Outcome Tracker, FormStack (Certified Partner), and Salesforce (Certified Administrator). Mary’s main focus is organizing and making sense of data and creating reports that thoughtfully explain the impacts measured. 

Mairi is a writer, researcher, data analyst, and strategist with a background in sustainable economic and community development. She began working with Sweet Grass in 2021 after spending two years working for the food sovereignty initiative of a Native community development organization in South Dakota and brings a participatory, whole systems approach to her work. Drawing from her experience with both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, Mairi synthesizes multiple approaches to data collection and analysis to support holistic storytelling focused on achieving clients’ goals. She is conversationally fluent in German & Spanish and is particularly passionate about issues and projects related to equitable financing, regenerative food systems, and collaborative resource & land management. 

Avery has ample experience working and living in other cultures and is passionate about assisting others. Avery was an English teacher in Japan for two years where she embraced adaptability, promoted cultural exchange and awareness, and encouraged students’ self-determination through empowerment.  Having graduated Summa Cum Laude from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelors in Anthropology, Avery has experience in assisting with and conducting research, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and excels at cross-cultural communication. She is looking forward to working with Sweet Grass and continuing their mission of supporting asset-based initiatives in economically burdened communities and enhancing her skills around impact, research, and strategy.