04.11.24
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Federal Suicide Prevention Effort
Fulfilling an evaluation mandate for the Zero Suicide Program
READ ARTICLEResearch and Evaluation
Discover the power of informed decision making
Research and Evaluation
Our experts combine extensive industry knowledge with cutting-edge analytical techniques to deliver insights that drive strategic action. Whether it’s measuring program effectiveness, assessing organizational dynamics or evaluating policy impacts, we provide the clarity and precision your organization needs to thrive.
Solutions
We elevate the essence of informed decision making through research design and execution. Our approach merges scientific rigor with best practice strategies, tailoring research design and implementation methodologies that meet the objectives of our government clients.
Our flexible, collaborative approach informs creative decisions and outcomes. From data collection to in-depth analysis, we transform information into actionable intelligence, empowering your organization to navigate decisions with confidence.
Unlock the power of data with our findings analysis and insights, where we transform complex datasets into actionable intelligence. Our expertise in advanced analytics breathes life into program and policy evaluation, leveraging a mosaic of sources — from surveys to administrative records.
Our seasoned analysts partner with federal agencies to distill vast data streams into clear and useful information, ensuring decisions are informed, strategic and data driven. With Aptive, your data isn’t just numbers — it’s the narrative of your success.
Elevate your initiatives through program evaluation and measurement. Our approach is designed to not only assess the effectiveness and efficiency of your initiatives but also to uncover information that drives continuous improvement.
By integrating state-of-the-art evaluation methodologies and tools with your strategic objectives, we deliver actionable intelligence that ensures your programs are not just meeting targets but exceeding expectations.
Our researchers specialize in designing and customizing methodologies that align with the unique needs and objectives of our clients.
We are dedicated to collecting and analyzing comprehensive, insightful data using a combination of primary and secondary methods. This includes reviewing publicly available data and source materials, conducting in-depth interviews, moderating focus groups, and building surveys.
We collaborate closely with clients and internal teams to ensure that our research meets expectations and informs effective solutions.
Research Model
Our researchers follow the Research, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation (RPIE) model which provides a consistent structure to develop, implement and evaluate deliverables; improve collaboration with internal and external parties; and evolve communications, programmatic and operational solutions and services.
Case Studies
12.17.22
Employee Survey Data Provides Insight to Improve Information Technology Customer Service
Aptive helps the Department of Veterans Affairs transform information technology (IT) practices.
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12.17.22
Evaluating Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs
Determining program efficacy and Veteran satisfaction for Congressional reports.
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12.17.22
Evaluating Organizations Participating in the Supported Services for Veteran Families Program
Aptive gathers insight from Veterans who benefit from supportive services.
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12.17.22
Field Enterprise Research Support Services for the Veterans Health Administration
Aptive provides staffing, data analysis and administrative support for research studies.
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03.22.24
Improving Mental Health Care for Veterans
Assessing the feasibility and advisability of reorganizing and realigning VA mental health offices.
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01.06.23
Supporting the Presidential Roadmap to Empower Veterans to End a National Tragedy of Suicide
Aiding the Veterans Health Administration in advancing its suicide prevention efforts
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12.17.22
Advancing Health Equity Within the Veterans Health Administration
Providing equitable health care access to all Veteran populations.
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12.17.22
Transforming Internal Policy Management for the Veterans Health Administration
Increasing operational efficiency with improved policy development processes.
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Team
Research and Evaluation Experts
Tara Fannon, PhD
Dr. Tara Fannon is a human-centered design researcher and educator with 13 years of experience developing and leading high-impact projects in the U.S. and abroad. Her work in education, non-profit, government and corporate sectors has led to actionable changes in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion; disability accessibility; mental health care access; workplace equity; and environmental sustainability. Throughout her career, Dr. Fannon has published widely and earned grants, fellowships and awards for her research and writing capabilities, including Excellence in Leadership as a market research team leader. Her love of teaching and learning is complemented by a love for mentorship and seeing team members flourish. At Aptive, Dr. Fannon leverages these passions along with intellectual curiosity and creativity, and an ability to build relationships to lead and support the research team and serve clients. Her skills, passions and exposure to different markets enable her to work collaboratively across diverse needs and interests to deliver teams and clients compelling data-driven insights and recommendations.
- PhD, Sociology, National University Ireland, Galway
- M.A., Sociology of Health and Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
- B.A. Honors, Sociology, University College Dublin, Ireland
Kelly Sanders, DrPH, MPH, PMP, PROSCI
Dr. Sanders has 16 years’ experience leading public health and health care initiatives in the public sector. She has led high-impact projects centered around several preeminent health concerns, including suicide prevention, mental health, emergency preparedness and response, women’s health, Veteran and Service member health, childhood obesity and rural health.
Dr. Sanders has demonstrated subject matter expertise in secondary research, program evaluation and measurement, strategic planning, program management, health information management and revenue cycle management, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, health communication, change management, performance improvement, technical assistance and translational science. She has applied these skills in her support of several clients, including the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Defense Health Agency (DHA), Department of State (DOS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
- DrPH, Leadership, University of Illinois at Chicago
- MPH, Epidemiology, University of Toledo College of Medicine
- BS, Movement Science, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional
- Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner (CCMP)
Yessie Castillo, MPH, PMP, CCMP
Yessenia “Yessie” Castillo is an accomplished health professional, consulting executive and program leader. She leads the growth and operations for Aptive’s Civilian Health account.
Yessie leads Aptive’s efforts with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and other federal health care projects. She supports business development activities, including strategic planning and solutioning related to program evaluation, implementation, measurement, public health, mental health, suicide prevention and substance use disorder.
A results-driven self-starter with a proven background in the academic and federal health care sectors, Yessie has over 18 years of experience, particularly in public health, evaluation and data analytics. In previous roles, she supported several Veterans Health Administration (VHA) contracts, primarily focused on mental health and suicide prevention, including evaluating the national rollout of the Women’s Health Transition Training, President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), VHA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Clinical Decision Framework, Creating Options for Veterans’ Expedited Recovery (COVER) Commission for VHA and supported the VHA Primary Care Services Office for Post Deployment Health Services.
- Candidate, DrPH, Diverse Populations and Health Equity, Mercer University
- MPH, Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health
- B.S., Cognitive Psychology, Duke University
- Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner (CCMP)
- Certified PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)
- HRSA Building Education and Student Training in Maternal and Child Health Fellowship
Michelle Hungerford, MPH, CPHQ, PMP
Michelle Hungerford has over 15 years of experience partnering with front line staff, physician leaders, executives and various departments across health care systems, managing and driving improvements in patient safety, quality of care and patient experience. Her proven analytic, evaluative and problem-solving abilities, paired with her interpersonal, communication and leadership skills, propel her ability to interact effectively with various disciplines, effect change and ensure a collaborative environment to address opportunities for improvement. In her role, Michelle applies these skills to support Aptive’s Veteran Health clients, focusing on improving systems, outcomes and access to care.
Michelle is an accomplished healthcare quality and project management professional and brings a wealth of knowledge in patient safety, quality, High Reliability Organization principles, survey readiness, performance measurement, process improvement and quality reporting for agencies, including Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission. She has an extensive background in supporting and acting as a data analyst and quality reporting subject matter expert in several electronical medical record implementations and upgrades. Michelle leverages her demonstrated knowledge and experience to support the Veterans Health Administration tackle some of their toughest challenges, such as addressing employee burnout, and improving a culture of safety and becoming a high reliability organization.
- MPH, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- B.S., Biology, Seton Hill University
- Project Management Professional
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality
Abby Rosenberg, MPS, CCMP, PMP
Abby Rosenberg helps clients address challenges, implement organizational improvements, communicate effectively and improve health care access and equity. With nearly 15 years of federal consulting experience, Abby leads technical assistance, health education, research and evaluation and program management projects, using data to drive decision-making and impact. She supports projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Health Agency and Department of Health and Human Services.
- Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner (CCMP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- MPS, Georgetown University
- BA, Communications, University of Maryland
Taylor Wood, MA, PMP, PROSCI
Taylor Wood is an experienced communication and change management strategist dedicated to building and leading proactive teams that go above and beyond for her clients. She oversees a portfolio of communication and marketing teams across several government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Office of Personnel Management. In this role, Taylor focuses on growing and expanding Human Experience’s event management capability and enhancing Aptive’s recruitment marketing services through implementation of technical solutions.
Throughout her career, she has focused on learning various leadership styles and techniques to help others achieve success. Taylor is passionate about training others to lead with empathy and foster positive working relationships, enabling teams to provide exceptional service to clients. In previous roles, Taylor has led numerous communication teams and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Department of the Navy, VA, United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Energy.
- Secret Security Clearance
- Certified Project Management Professional, Project Management Institute
- Certified Change Practitioner, Prosci
- M.A., Strategic Communications, American University
- B.A., Communication Studies, West Virginia University
Social Technology, Mental Health Support and Suicide Prevention in Veteran and Military Populations: A Survey
Aptive teamed up with Artemis ARC, our Mentor-Protégé partner, to ask Veterans and military members about which modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, they would use or recommend to others for mental health and suicide prevention support.
This report details the study’s results and shares important perspectives, concerns and recommendations about exploring the potential for using social technology to expand the availability of mental health support for this population
The PACT Act: Awareness, Understanding and Opportunities to Engage Veterans
Aptive teamed up with Artemis ARC, our Mentor-Protégé partner, to ask Veterans and military members about their awareness and understanding of the PACT Act, as well as any action they may have taken in response to the law.
This research summary highlights study results, including successful outreach efforts, popular sources of PACT Act information, barriers to applying for PACT Act benefits and recommendations for increasing participation.
Big public health problems require a big response. Such is the case with the suicide and mental health crisis in the United States.
Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness and about one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Despite numerous public mental health and suicide prevention programs, suicide persists as a serious public health problem. Combating a complex public health issue like suicide requires a multifaceted, multidisciplinary approach that includes data collection and analysis of current suicide prevention programs, community outreach and involvement and policy changes. Working together, behavioral health providers, policy experts, data scientists and program leaders can help create the next generation of mental health programs.
