Monica is a Senior Research Associate at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center. In her role, she conducts rigorous policy and program evaluations by working with researchers and practitioners to expand the existing evidence base around supporting the health and wellbeing of children and families. Her research background is in child development and learning sciences, with an emphasis on early academic development and family processes.
Prior to this role, Monica was a Research Associate at the Child and Family Research Partnership and helped design and implement an evaluation of a program initiative to increase receipt of federally funded tax credits. She has over a decade of experience working alongside families, community partners, and researchers across different organizations providing research and analytical support. She has expertise in conducting qualitative and advanced quantitative methods and designing and administering surveys.
Monica is a Doctoral Candidate in the Learning Sciences and Policy Program at the University of Pittsburgh and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. Mary’s University. She also completed a Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship in Cognitive-Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh’s Hot Metal Bridge Program. Monica resides in Austin, TX, with her pup and cockatiel. She enjoys gardening, reading, and working her way through a cookbook.
