Welcome to the DEI Evaluation! We're looking forward to working with all of the grantees to implement the Evaluation and work closely with our Round 1 and Round 2 DEI states. I founded Social Dynamics, LLC in 2003 to focus on program evaluation and policy studies related to people with disabilities. As a sociologist, my primary interests are access to employment and employment preparation services, disability rights, and universal design. I have taught at several colleges and universities over the years, but find that the applied "real world" research we do at Social Dynamics offers the best opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. When not working at Social Dynamics, I spend most of my time with my wife and kids and enjoying the outdoors. I am also the Evaluation Liaison for CA and WI! Please feel free to contact me any time to discuss the DEI Evaluation. I can be reached at 301-990-1105 x110 or DKlayman@socialdynamicsllc.com. Also, please visit our RSS feed and sign-up via Twitter feed.
Anne Chamberlain, M.S., DEI Evaluation Manager/Site Liaison for AK, AR, and ME
Hello DEI partners. In addition to managing the DEI Evaluation overall, I am the Evaluation Liaison for Alaska, Arkansas, and Maine. I just started at Social Dynamics, and have been really impressed by the ongoing work here to make the Evaluation a rigorous, inclusive, learning process for everyone involved. My goal is to contribute to that approach. A program evaluator by training, I have worked with various social and educational programs over the years. Most recently, I worked with an education not-for-profit at Johns Hopkins University, evaluating school reform initiatives all over the country. In my free time I like to practice relaxing, with the help of yoga, or a crossword, or cooking. I am really excited about meeting all of the DEI grantees, and learning more about how you do what you do. Meanwhile, you can reach me anytime at 1-855-990-1105 (toll free) or achamberlain@socialdynamicsllc.com. Catch up with us through the RSS.
Robert Bleimann, Ph.D., Director of Research and Policy/Site Liaison for HI, OH, and WA
I am the Evaluation Liaison for HI and WA, as well as the primary data cruncher on the DEI Evaluation. Prior to joining Social Dynamics, I worked for over 34 years conducting research and evaluation projects with private sector research and evaluation firms, professional associations, and the General Accounting Office (GAO). I recently started at Social Dynamics with the title of Director of Research and Policy. My goals are to ensure excellence in our projects and deliverables and to expand the scope of the research and evaluation practice in the company. I believe in balancing work with leisure and I engage in a number of non-work activities: culture-related travel, extensive reading, lap swimming, competitive tennis, the performing arts, and opera. I look forward to meeting all of you on the DEI project. I can be reached at (301) 990-1105 or at BBleimann@socialdynamicsllc.com.
Kim Barlow, M.P.H., Research Analyst/Site Liaison for NJ, IL, and KS
Greetings! As part of the DEI Evaluation Team, I will be working hard to make the Evaluation useful to DOL and our grantees. I am the Evaluation Liaison for Illinois, Kansas, and New Jersey, and look forward to meeting all who are involved in making DEI a success in these states. My educational and professional background includes public health, case management and direct care services for customers with disabilities, and program evaluation. Outside of work, I take road trips with my dog, volunteer, and spend time with family and friends. I’m excited about this process and all we will learn about the DEI sites. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call me at 855-990-1105 (Toll Free), or email me at kbarlow@socialdynamcisllc.com. Find out what's going on!
Marilia Mochel, M.A., Sr. Research Analyst/Site Liaison for VA, DE, and NY
Hello! I am the Evaluation Liaison for Delaware, New York, and Virginia. Our team is a collaborative effort so I have also been involved in other aspects of the Evaluation. I am eager to learn from each state the ways in which the programs are improving the workforce development system. I have worked with Social Dynamics on this project since July 2011, although I worked here for a year prior to that. I am really interested in policy matters and have managed other projects that examine ways to better assist individuals with disabilities in their return or entry into the workforce. Currently, in addition to the DEI Evaluation, I am working on two projects on best practices in workplace flexibility programs. Please feel free to contact me any time to discuss the DEI Evaluation. I can be reached at 301-990-1105 or MMochel@socialdynamicsllc.com.
Becca Jackson, Ph.D., Sr. Research Analyst/Site Liaison for OH, SD, and TN
Hello, I am the Evaluation Liaison for Ohio, South Dakota, and Tennessee. It will be exciting to understand more about each state’s unique culture. I look forward to becoming familiar with the methods various localities use to address the employment needs of individuals with disabilities. My background includes experience in education research and special education, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of those with multiple disabilities. I am pleased to be partnering with you on this project! Please feel free to contact me any time to discuss the DEI
Evaluation. I can be reached at 301-990-1105 or RJackson@socialdynamicsllc.com.
Michelle Larijani, DEI Evaluation Administrative Services
I am the administrative manager at Social Dynamics. I spend some of my time on the DEI Evaluation helping with scheduling site visits, preparing evaluation materials for DEI grantees and more generally, making sure the DEI Evaluation Team has everything they need to be successful. If you have any questions for me, I can be reached at 301-990-1105 or MLarijani@socialdynamicsllc.com.
DEI Evaluation Partners
Gina Livermore (Mathematica Policy Research) Kay Magill (Berkeley Policy Associates) Laura Skaff (Altarum Institute)
Innovative strategies that improve policies, programs, and agency operations.
