CONTACT

ABOUT US

DIRS uses the intersection of scientific rigor and practice to design, administer, statistical analysis and reporting of projects. We are a team of dynamic highly skilled research professionals who are passionate about community, data, accuracy, and delivering exceptional results. Our collaborative approach fosters innovative solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of our clients, while upholding our commitment to social justice. As a team of dedicated experts, we strive to create a positive impact and always strive for excellence in everything we do.

Dr. Gillian Marshall, Principal

PRINCIPAL

Dr. Gillian Marshall

FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Marshall is a social gerontologist and holds a PhD in Social Welfare, a Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health from the University of Washington.

Her research area coalesces around aging, health/mental health, social determinants of health, stress, and social support. She has written and successfully been awarded over $1 million in grant funding, and has been a principal investigator on research projects from the National Institutes of Health. She has also authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications and book chapters based on her work.

Dr. Marshall has over 15 years of experience in quantitative methods and 10 years in program evaluation.

Affiliate Consultants

The team behind the research

DIRS works with a network of affiliate consultants — researchers, evaluators, and subject-matter experts who bring specialized expertise to projects as needed.

Kristine M. Andrews, PhD
Kristine M. Andrews, PhD
Researcher & Evaluator

A nationally recognized researcher and evaluator advancing equity for children, youth, families, and communities, with expertise in health equity and youth development.

·LinkedIn ↗
Margo Waddell Bergman, PhD, MPH
Margo Waddell Bergman, PhD, MPH
Behavioral Economist

A behavioral economist and public health researcher exploring how individuals, organizations, and communities make decisions in complex environments.

·LinkedIn ↗
Fawn A. Cothran, PhD, RN, GCNS-BC, FGSA
Fawn A. Cothran, PhD, RN, GCNS-BC, FGSA
Nurse Scientist

A nationally recognized nurse scientist focused on aging, caregiving, and improving health outcomes for older adults and their families.

·LinkedIn ↗
Margaret “Meg” Cristofalo, PhD, MSW, MPA
Margaret “Meg” Cristofalo, PhD, MSW, MPA
Social Work Researcher

A social work researcher, educator, and clinician improving health and mental health outcomes for medically vulnerable populations.

Christopher Curtis, PhD, MSW
Christopher Curtis, PhD, MSW
Youth & Adolescent Researcher

A social work researcher and educator focused on adolescent well-being, youth development, and strengthening systems that support young people.

·LinkedIn ↗
Maurice E. Dolberry, PhD, MEd
Maurice E. Dolberry, PhD, MEd
Qualitative Researcher & Educator

A qualitative researcher, educator, and community engagement leader supporting historically underserved populations through culturally responsive research.

·LinkedIn ↗
William T. Gallo, PhD, MBA
William T. Gallo, PhD, MBA
Health Economist

A health economist, gerontologist, and social epidemiologist studying the factors that influence health and well-being across the lifespan.

·LinkedIn ↗
Heather Honoré Goltz, PhD, LCSW, MEd, MPH
Heather Honoré Goltz, PhD, LCSW, MEd, MPH
Clinician-Scientist

A clinician-scientist, social work researcher, and health educator improving outcomes for individuals and families navigating chronic illness and cancer survivorship.

·LinkedIn ↗
Stella M. Gran-O’Donnell, PhD
Stella M. Gran-O’Donnell, PhD
Public Health & Community Researcher

A public health and social work researcher advancing health equity through community-based participatory research and culturally responsive evaluation.

·LinkedIn ↗
Ola S. Rostant, PhD
Ola S. Rostant, PhD
Quantitative Researcher

A quantitative health and social science researcher specializing in psychometrics, survey development, and population health research.

·LinkedIn ↗
Richard Simonds, EdD, MSW, BCC
Richard Simonds, EdD, MSW, BCC
Economic Mobility Researcher

A social work educator and researcher advancing financial capability, economic mobility, and workforce development for individuals and communities.

·LinkedIn ↗
Jocelyn R. Wilder, PhD, MPH
Jocelyn R. Wilder, PhD, MPH
Social Epidemiologist

A social epidemiologist and public health researcher advancing health equity and improving outcomes for underserved populations across the life course.

Amanda Zubia, MPH
Amanda Zubia, MPH
Public Health & Education

A public health and education professional supporting educators, strengthening school communities, and improving outcomes for students and families.

·LinkedIn ↗