The Evaluation Group

Our Evaluation Staff

Joel PhilpJoel Philp, Ph.D. — Director
Dr. Philp earned his doctorate degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and has over 13 years of experience in the evaluation field. As Director of TEG, Dr. Philp is responsible for the oversight of all evaluators, data analysts, and other staff.

 

Columbia, South Carolina Office



Jennifer ColemanJennifer Coleman, Ph.D. — Senior Evaluator
Dr. Coleman earned her doctoral degree in Educational Psychology and Research from the University of South Carolina and has over eight years of experience in program evaluation. Currently, she is providing evaluation services to TEG clients implementing Early Reading First in South Carolina and Georgia. In addition, she also evaluates Smaller Learning Communities programs throughout the southeast.

Jennifer ColemanChristy Derrick, MPH — Lead Evaluator
Christy received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Psychology from Appalachian State University and a Masters Degree in Public Health from The University of South Carolina. She has over seven years of experience evaluating human service and training programs. Christy currently evaluates Smaller Learning Communities initiatives in North and South Carolina.

LaToya Gibson, MA — Lead Evaluator
LaToya received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston and a Masters of Arts Degree in Counseling from Webster University. She has evaluated the following educational grant programs: 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Enhancing Education through Technology, Even Start, Mentoring programs, Reading First, and Early Reading First. Currently, LaToya’s primary emphasis is evaluating Smaller Learning Communities programs throughout the Carolinas.

Liz LeightonLiz Leighton, MSW — Lead Evaluator
A graduate of The College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Liz obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Currently, Liz’s focus is in evaluating Smaller Learning Communities grant programs in North Carolina. Liz also serves as a Field Instructor for the University of South Carolina’s College of Social Work.

Atlanta, Georgia Office



Gerri HallKate Julian Ph.D. — Senior Evaluator
Dr. Julian earned her doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Illinois – Chicago and has over fifteen years of experience in K-12 education. She currently provides evaluation services to TEG clients who are implementing Smaller Learning Communities and 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs.

Gerri HallGerri Hall — Lead Evaluator
Gerri has a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Government/Public Administration from Georgia State University. In addition to providing support for the evaluators based in Georgia, Gerri works with Smaller Learning Communities, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and Federal Mentoring Program evaluations.

Jenna St. Syr Jenna St. Cyr, MA — Lead Evaluator
Jenna has a Masters of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is currently evaluating 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Federal Mentoring Programs, and is assisting with data analysis on Early Reading First evaluations for clients in the southeast.

Tationya McElrathTationya McElrath — Evaluation Coordinator
Tationya presides over several 21st Century Community Learning Center grants including a multi-district collaboration. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Ohio State University and has experience in facilitating Smaller Learning Community focus groups, conducting research, and collecting program data.