Your program makes a real difference. Make that difference even bigger.
Education, health, and human services research and program evaluation
There’s a saying that you“can’t read the label from inside the bottle.”
This is true for MANY things in life, but especially when it comes to nonprofit programs and projects.
You’re in the thick of making things happen, and deeply invested in the program outcomes – which makes it really difficult to take a step back and objectively assess how things are going.
That’s where I come in.
I can help you learn about the utility of evaluation. Also, no matter where you are in the process – pre-proposal or approaching completion – I’m poised to help you make the biggest impact.
How Program Evaluation can assist you
- Provides a systematic approach to studying a program, intervention, or initiative
- Ensures the optimal implementation of programs and services
- Improves the efficiency and effectiveness of programs, services, and systems
- Demonstrates impact to stakeholders and funders
- Informs strategic decisions
- Supports grant proposals for funding
Hi, I’m James Pann.
I’m a Professor based in South Florida, specializing in program evaluation and conducting research projects. I’m also a licensed psychologist in Florida (PY6251) and a leadership coach.
What does this mean for the work I do?
It means I bring curiosity, compassion, and experience when I use and teach evaluation as well as quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches. (I’m an expert at making data un-boring.)
Over the past 24 years, I’ve led evaluation projects in health, human services, and education, including many funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and other sources.
I’m in this field not only because I have the necessary expertise and skill set (you can learn more on my About page) – but because it offers me the opportunity to meaningfully support work that does real good in the world.
And while the world of research and evaluation might seem a little dry and stuffy, working and learning with me is anything but.
Evaluation is a dynamic field with brilliant people doing some very cool stuff – and I love sharing it with others.
Check out my EvalNetwork podcast and you’ll see what I mean.
Want to pick my brain a bit? I’d love to hear about what you’re working on.
Contact me with some information about your project and I’ll be in touch right away!
Evaluation Areas of Expertise
- Afterschool (Out-of-School) Services
- Positive Youth Development
- Health Literacy
- Nutrition and Physical Activity
- Behavioral Health Workforce
- Developmental Disabilities
- Veterans’ Programs
- Criminal Justice
- Foster Care
- Dependency Court
- Domestic Violence
- Homeless and Runaway Youth
- Higher Education
- Mental Health
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions
- Leadership Development
- Experiential Education and Adventure Therapy
Highlighted Projects and Articles
Supporting Evaluation Practice Through Mindfulness Article Published in the American Journal of Evaluation
Co-author of this peer-reviewed article that explores the application of mindfulness in the field of evaluation.
The paper argues that mindfulness can improve the practice of evaluation. The paper reviews various mindfulness-based practices and suggests ways in which evaluators can incorporate them into their work to promote improved evaluation studies.
Best Practices Model for Intervention with the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System
Co-author of this book that introduces an evidence-based model for treating mentally ill individuals in jails, focusing on community-based options.
The approach includes best practices for related issues like addiction, domestic violence, and trauma, and aims to coordinate judicial and clinical systems. The book’s guidelines offer potential solutions for issues affecting the justice system, such as overcrowding, by decriminalizing non-violent behaviors and providing appropriate services for those with mental health problems.
Stress Reduction Through Attention Training (SRAT) Research and Evaluation Project
Co-principal investigator of this study that examined the effectiveness of an online mindfulness training program (SRAT) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The intervention was used with students, faculty, and staff at a university and included text messaging to support mindfulness practice. The study evaluated the online mindfulness training program’s impact on perceived stress, COVID-related distress, and self-reported cognitive failures.
Published in These Academic Journals & Publications
American Journal of Evaluation
Supporting Evaluation Practice Through Mindfulness
The Qualitative Report
Returning Veterans’ Experiences of a Holistic Therapeutic Program
The Foundation Review
Implementation and Evaluation of a Multidimensional Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative Funded by a Community Health Foundation
Springer Briefs in Behavioral Criminology
Best Practices for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System
Journal of Youth Development
Building Evaluation Capacity in Youth-Serving Organizations Through Evaluation Advisory Boards
Presented at These Conferences & Events
sponsored by the following organizations
Recent
Blog Posts & Podcast Episodes
Empowering Change: David Fetterman on Using Evaluation to Build a Better World
David Fetterman is a leading expert in empowerment evaluation, an approach that emphasizes collaboration, participation, and capacity building. He has written extensively on the topic,
From Lecture Halls to Real-World Calls: Tiffany Berry’s Evaluation Insights
Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply someone passionate about youth development and educational programs, this podcast episode with Tiffany Berry, Ph.D., promises to
Mindfulness Meets Evaluation: Insights from Jim McDavid
In this episode, I talk with Jim McDavid, Ph.D., about his experience with mindfulness and meditation practice, how it has influenced him, and how it
Measuring the Impact of a Mindfulness Program
Determining the Impact of Mindfulness Programs Organizations are under pressure to demonstrate the impact of the resources they devote to the implementation of mindfulness and
Measuring the Impact of a Mindfulness Program
Determining the Impact of Mindfulness Programs Organizations are under pressure to demonstrate the impact of the resources they devote to the implementation of mindfulness and
Measuring the Impact of a Mindfulness Program
Determining the Impact of Mindfulness Programs Organizations are under pressure to demonstrate the impact of the resources they devote to the implementation of mindfulness and
