Hi, I'm Allison!

 
 

I’m a self-professed nerd, which I’ve honed into my role as a learning-focused evaluator. 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’, and if that wall budged an inch during my career, I'd be satisfied. But that idea quickly wasn't enough, so I left my hometown to study public policy, to ‘speak the language of funders’. I learned a lot about economics and politics, and years later I got to come back and contribute evidence and strategic support to the local Housing First strategy. I've since supported organizations in the sector with strategic planning and innovative program design, all helping to break down that wall to better support growing community needs.

With over 20 years of experience, I’ve developed a deep understanding of what it takes to create meaningful, sustainable change. I consider myself a lifelong learner and I find 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 lot from everyone whose path I've crossed. 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.

I believe that people give you their best 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 passion, helping you bring your vision to life. Throw in formal training in public policy and evaluation, and I know how to translate that vision to funders and donors.

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 empowering you and your team to bring your vision to life. Hopefully we'll even have a little fun along the way!

 
Allison, a redhead with glasses, has a big smile wearing a white shirt that says "Empowered women empower women" in two-toned pink lettering, with flowers and butterflies around the words. She's standing in front of a pink background.

My Values

  • Inclusion: The world is better when everyone can participate fully. We all have diverse experiences, welcoming those enriches our work and our lives.

  • Engagement: We can learn about how best to include people by asking them and meaningfully acting on it.

  • Accountability: If I get it wrong, I genuinely want to know so that I can improve. (Don’t worry, you can just point it out and I’ll do the work to figure out how to make it better.)

  • Wholeheartedness: Showing up as our whole selves is part of life that should be cherished. It’s impossible to separate ourselves from our families, communities, and environment.

Selected Experience

  • Sustainable Livelihoods Canada

    • Canadian Women’s Foundation

    • YWCA Muskoka

  • Canadian Centre for Accrediation

  • City of Windsor

  • Ontario Trillium Foundation

  • United Way/ Centraide Windsor-Essex County

  • Ontario Ministry of Health

  • Vancouver Foundation

  • Family Services Windsor-Essex

  • Workforce WindsorEssex

Crfedentialed Evaluator logo (Canadian Evaluation Society)
 
Allison, a glasses wearing redhead, has her 2 and 4 year old daughters climbing up her, while her husband holds their newborn.

Education

  • Interdisciplinary PhD in Evaluation, Western Michigan University (in progress)

  • Master of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University

  • Bachelor of Social Work, University of Windsor

  • BA, Developmental Psychology, University of Windsor