Hi, I’m Allison!
I’m a non-profit nerd. I use evaluation and organizational design to help organizations re-think how they work, so that their data matches their capacity, their learning goals, and their mission.
I’ve been where you are
Early in my career, I worked with a grassroots homelessness collaborative trying to change the system. I described our work as “pushing on a brick wall.” If that wall budged an inch during my career, I felt like I’d be satisfied.
But I knew the communities I met along the way deserved more than one inch at a time. So I left my hometown of Windsor, Ontario, to study public policy. My goal was to speak the language of funders, particularly by learning about economics and how political decisions are made. From there, I worked with large and small funders across the country, putting what I learned into practice and translating in both directions.
Years later, I came back and got to contribute evidence and strategic support to the local Housing First strategy. Since then, I’ve supported hundreds of organizations across the sector to build evaluation and learning systems that fit how they actually work, so they can make their own case in the rooms where decisions are made.
I live and work on the Traditional Territories of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, and I believe that most things would be better today if we re-centred the Indigenous perspective.
What I’ve learned
With over 20 years of experience, I’ve developed a deep understanding of what it takes to create sustainable, meaningful change. I’m a lifelong learner and I love finding unique, customized ways to inspire others to incorporate learning into their daily life. I’ve had a lot of great mentors along the way, and I’ve learned a great deal from everyone whose path I’ve crossed.
I believe people can bring their best selves when you listen to understand and treat each other with respect. I use my interest in human behaviour, along with education in psychology, social work, and organizational change, to build relationships and deeply understand your challenges and your passion. Throw in formal training in public policy and evaluation, and I know how to translate your vision to funders and donors.
What it’s like to work with me
I’ve worked with small, volunteer-powered organizations and large provincial and national funders. I’m at my best when I’m helping you strategize about your short- and long-term goals, and co-designing measurable action plans to achieve them.
When you work with me, you’ll feel like I’m an extension of your team. I’m committed to supporting you and your team to bring your vision to life. We’ll even have some fun along the way.
I know what it's like to be handed a beautiful evaluation framework that nobody has time to use. I build for the capacity you actually have, not the capacity you wish you had. If something I suggest is going to add hours to your week, we’ll talk about the trade-offs so that you’re not quietly filing it away after I’m gone.
Who I work with
Although I run a solo practice, I bring in collaborators when there is a good fit and they can complement my skillset. You will always know who is working on your project and get to choose if we bring others along. Learn more about them here.
You don’t have to eat the whole elephant today.
Book a free chat and we’ll figure out what the next right thing is, and if there’s a way I can help. No commitment and no pressure.