Our Team
Our team upholds our reputation as a trusted voice and valuable source for high-quality research. We are service-minded experts and collaborate with commitment, humility, and integrity. We work hard and enjoy it!
David Stuit
Managing Partner
David is an expert in education policy, applied statistics, and measurement. He provides thought leadership and strategic counsel to policymakers across the nation.
Jeff Springer
Managing Partner
Jeff specializes in data management and statistical programming, focusing on performance evaluations and education finance. His analytical abilities and strategic insights help our partners optimize resources and improve educational outcomes.
Matthew Springer
Managing Partner
Matt has spent more than two decades studying educational innovations and policies focused on improving the educator workforce and student educational opportunities.
Anna Nicotera
Senior Researcher
Anna focuses on using data to drive systems change, with an emphasis on developing impactful solutions within the education sector.
Matthew Pepper
Senior Researcher
Matthew specializes in communication and project management, bringing together multiple interests on high profile projects to provide insights into implementation and impact.
Kiel McQueen
Senior Researcher
Kiel's research focuses on professional learning initiatives aimed at improving teacher retention and effectiveness.
Margot Plotz
Senior Director
Margot is a public policy and development leader with over a decade of experience designing and executing strategic initiatives, funding, and research across education, workforce, and social systems. She specializes in collaboration to drive multi-year projects that align policy priorities with actionable research and program implementation.
Kari Colley
Senior Researcher
Kari specializes in educator preparation, recruitment, effectiveness, and retention.
Liv Rau
Associate
Liv’s grounds her work in people’s stories – turning research into real-world change for individuals, organizations, and communities. She brings a collaborative, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
Jakob Panzer
Senior Analyst
Jakob extracts meaningful insights from complex data and analysis on the implementation and impact of school systems and programs.
Sarah Dyson
Associate
Sarah brings an evidence-based approach to solving complex social challenges affecting children and families. Her cross-sector expertise helps organizations develop effective strategies through collaborative partnerships.
Karin Gegenheimer
Associate Researcher
Karin is committed to using evidence to expand access to high-quality educational and career opportunities. Her research takes a partnership approach, helping schools, districts, and states translate insights into meaningful policy and practice.
Our Locations
Our team works with partners throughout the nation. We have offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; and the Research Triangle, North Carolina.