EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

With over 24 years of experience conducting mixed methods research, Dr. Hannah Thomas applies the appropriate research tool to achieve the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families and communities. Using collaborative mixed methods and participatory approaches, she focuses on integrating programs seamlessly into people’s lives in the ways they need for dignity and agency. She regularly provides strategic guidance to clients to inform program impact. She has conducted research to inform program design of asset-building programs such as the Family Self-Sufficiency program, guaranteed income programs, healthcare career pathway programs, financial capability and coaching programs, and community development finance. Dr. Thomas holds a Bachelors in Geography from Cambridge University, and a joint Ph.D. in Social Policy and Sociology from Brandeis University.

PRINCIPAL PARTNER CONSULTANT

Debbie Gruenstein Bocian has over 25 years of experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research focused on improving the financial lives of individuals, families, and communities. Her policy expertise crosses a wide range of economic and social policy fields, including housing, asset building, financial education, financial inclusion, and consumer financial protection.  She has designed and implemented research projects for a variety of government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Ms. Bocian holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Economics from Haverford College and a Master's of Public Policy from Harvard University.

PRINCIPAL PARTNER CONSULTANT

Andrea A. Anderson, PhD is an evaluation and learning strategist who helps organizations understand how systems shape economic mobility, housing stability, and community well-being. She brings deep expertise in qualitative inquiry, community-engaged research, and equity-centered learning practices that illuminate the lived experiences of families navigating economic and structural barriers.

Andrea previously served as Director of Strategic Evaluation, Learning & Impact at The Skillman Foundation, where she led evaluation and learning efforts focused on advancing racial equity in Detroit’s youth-serving and education ecosystems. Most recently, she was a Principal Associate at Abt Global, contributing to national research on housing equity, economic mobility, and community-engaged approaches in public policy.

Andrea holds a PhD in Evaluation and Planning from Cornell University.

ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

Armando Vizcardo-Benites is a mixed methods researcher with extensive experience working in the social and public sector as a community development and evaluation analyst. He has over 8-years of professional research experience conducting in-depth qualitative data collection and analysis at The Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development & Public Policy, Abt Global, the Institute of Economic & Racial Equity at Brandeis University, and the Institute for Equity in Child Opportunity & Healthy Development at Boston University.

Currently, he is a third-year doctoral candidate at The Heller School for Social Policy & Management at Brandeis University. His research focuses on assessing income, welfare, and asset-building policies, and its impact on lower-to-middle income and immigrant workers and families. He received a Master’s in Public Policy from the Heller School and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UMass Boston.