Transforming early childhood initiatives into lasting impact

Strategic consulting for foundations and nonprofits

Whether you're a foundation seeking strategic direction or a nonprofit ready to scale, I bring evidence-based expertise and practical wisdom to help you create meaningful change for children and families.

After managing Fidelity Foundations' $14M early childhood portfolio and conducting groundbreaking research at Harvard, I understand both sides of the philanthropic equation. I help foundations invest wisely and nonprofits build sustainably—always with children at the center.

Bridging Research, Philanthropy, and Practice

I've spent my career at the intersection of science and service, always asking: What truly helps children thrive, and how do we scale it?

My journey has taken me from Harvard's research halls to foundation boardrooms to community-based programs. This unique pathway means I can translate between worlds—helping researchers speak to practitioners, foundations understand community needs, and nonprofits demonstrate their value.

What drives me: Every child deserves a strong start. Smart philanthropy and effective programs can make that possible, but only when we bridge the gaps between funding, research, and practice.

What I bring:

• Funder perspective: Led $14M in strategic grantmaking at Fidelity Foundations
• Research rigor: Harvard doctorate in Social and Behavioral Sciences with focus on child and family health
• Real-world experience: Directed federal research projects and evaluated national initiatives
• Systems thinking: Published researcher on social determinants of health and family wellbeing

I partner with clients who share my belief that lasting change requires both head and heart—evidence and empathy, strategy and soul.

Services

For Foundations & Philanthropists

Strategic Portfolio Development

Move from reactive grantmaking to proactive impact

• Landscape analysis and opportunity mapping
• Portfolio strategy and theory of change
• Grant program design and guidelines
• Trustee education and engagement

Grantmaking Excellence

Strengthen every step of your giving process

• Due diligence systems and tools
• Application review and recommendations
• Grantee relationship management
• Impact measurement and reporting

Special Initiatives

Launch bold new directions with confidence

• Initiative design and implementation
• Multi-funder collaboration facilitation
• Systems-change strategies
• Sunset planning for spending down

For Nonprofits & Community Organizations

Strategic Planning & Program Design

Build programs that attract funding and deliver results

• Organizational strategic planning
• Program model development
• Theory of change articulation
• Evidence-base building

Evaluation & Learning

Demonstrate your impact with confidence

• Evaluation readiness assessment
• Data system design
• Outcome measurement planning
• Impact story development

Funding Strategy & Positioning

Align your work with funder priorities

• Funding landscape analysis
• Proposal strategy and review
• Funder relationship building
• Sustainability planning

For Collaborative Initiatives

Multi-Stakeholder Facilitation

When foundations and nonprofits need to work together

• Collective impact design
• Partnership agreements
• Shared measurement systems
• Learning community facilitation

Why Choose Thriving Start Consulting?

Dual Perspective: I've been on both sides of the table—making grants and seeking them. This unique perspective helps me bridge the common disconnects between funders and nonprofits.

Evidence-Based Approach: With a Harvard doctorate and peer-reviewed publications, I bring scientific rigor to every engagement while keeping solutions practical and actionable.

Proven Track Record: From creating Fidelity's early childhood portfolio to evaluating federal initiatives, I've demonstrated success at every level of the sector.

Collaborative Style: I believe the best solutions emerge from partnership. I work alongside you, building your capacity while achieving immediate goals.