Dynamic Public Health Research Team

Ashton considers herself a scientist storyteller. She is committed to engaging in research that centers community voice, expertise, and self-determination by ensuring that practices, programs, and policies are created and sustained by and with communities (rather than for them). In her leadership role within Social Grove, Ashton provides consultation and support to organizations seeking to learn from their communities about how they can best facilitate opportunities for everyone to live their happiest, healthiest lives.

Darren believes that the power of research and science is only realized if it is rooted in (and actually benefiting) communities. He operates under the assumption that all communities hold strengths that can be lifted up to build capacity that allows all individuals the opportunity to lead their best lives. As a leader and researcher in Social Grove, Darren provides support to organizations seeking to better understand the strengths of their communities, engage community voice, and develop & evaluate programs from a person-centered approach.

Rodney is a Mississippi native and Associate Professor of early childhood education. He has committed his career to supporting high poverty communities through trauma-informed, data-driven approaches that improve health and educational outcomes for underserved children and families. Rodney works with nonprofit agencies to provide program evaluation, technical assistance, and strategic planning support to raise community voice and advocacy.

Latrice is an Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in the Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine. She is also the Assistant Director of the Evaluation in MSM’s Prevention Research Center. She uses a community-based participatory approach with all projects, seeks to build a culture of health, and strives to advance social and health equity.

Mark believes that community-driven processes are necessary to advancing public policy and supporting a democratic society. The values of diversity, tolerance, deliberative democracy, and cooperation guide both his scholarly research and professional work. He believes that much can be learned about peoples’ lives, their desires for public policy, and their vision for their communities through the stories of their lived experiences. In his role with Social Grove, he provides data analysis services, outreach to community institutions, and communications support.

Ann is a doctoral student at the Truman School of Public Affairs, University of Missouri, Columbia. She holds a master’s degree in Public and International Affairs. Her strong passion for upholding the dignity of all people has led her to pursue community-centered projects and research. Her research interests include immigrant and education policy, program and policy evaluation, and program implementation.