Meet the OEIE Team

LeAnn joined OEIE in May 2013 and currently serves as the executive director. She holds a master’s in communication studies and a bachelor’s in elementary education with a minor in leadership studies from Kansas State University, as well as a TESOL certificate from LanguageCorps Asia. Her career at OEIE has progressed from program assistant to her current executive leadership role where she oversees evaluation teams, strategic direction, budgets, proposals, and operations. LeAnn brings expertise in designing, implementing, and analyzing complex evaluation projects across diverse sectors including education, agriculture, engineering, public health, and workforce development. She excels at building staff capacity through mentoring and professional development, coordinating multi-institutional initiatives, engaging stakeholders, and streamlining workflows to improve operational efficiency. Her teaching experience includes several years as an elementary school teacher in Kansas public school districts, along with service as a graduate teaching assistant at Kansas State University and a brief period teaching English as a second language in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. LeAnn is passionate about mapping outcomes, demonstrating program impact, driving strategic growth, mentoring others, and building strong collaborative relationships. Throughout her career, she has overseen the evaluation of over 40 projects, strengthened organizational capacity through innovative frameworks and team restructuring, elevated OEIE's reputation through thought leadership at USDA and NSF workshops, and developed tools that improve operational excellence.

Originally from Concordia, Kansas, LeAnn currently resides in Manhattan, Kansas. She enjoys spending time outdoors in nature, watching K-State football and Kansas City Chiefs, camping, and spending time in Alpine, Colorado.

Besangie joined OEIE in December 2021 and currently serves as the associate director. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hampton University and a master’s and doctorate in developmental psychology from the University of Michigan. Following her doctoral work, Besangie completed a postdoctoral fellowship in health disparities and served as an assistant professor in psychology and human services. Her expertise spans lifespan development and aging, health disparities, and social support, with strong skills in data analysis, report drafting, and client interactions. Besangie brings enthusiasm for learning and meeting new people to all aspects of her work.

Originally from the East Coast, Besangie currently resides in Kansas. She enjoys puzzles, reading cozy mysteries, spending time with family, being outdoors, and trying different kinds of chocolate.

Kristin joined OEIE in August 2021 and serves as the assistant director for strategic initiatives and development. She has a doctorate in counselor education and supervision and a master’s degree in K-12 school counseling from Kansas State University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics teaching 7-12 from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. Kristin has maintained National Board Certification in school counseling since 2008. Before joining OEIE, she spent more than two decades in education as a school counselor, teacher, and program coordinator, building strong expertise in community engagement, program development, and grant writing. She has secured state and federal funding as well as foundation support and has presented to diverse audiences on trauma-informed practices, program management, and school mental health through her connections with state and national organizations. Kristin brings expertise in grant writing, program evaluation and management strategies, qualitative and quantitative methods, and data visualization, including dashboard creation using PowerBI and Excel. Her doctoral research focuses on rural education, specifically rural school counseling and program management. She is passionate about creative and participatory data collection techniques—such as ripple effects mapping and facilitated discussions using appreciative inquiry—and highlighting program impacts through dashboards, one-pagers, storymaps, and effective data visualization.

Originally from Salina, Kansas, Kristin currently lives in Clay Center, Kansas. As an empty nester with two kids in college, she enjoys golfing with her husband, traveling to watch her children play college sports, and spending time with her large extended family.

Laura joined OEIE in July 2020 as an administrative assistant before transitioning to a business analyst in 2023, bringing expertise in research, data analysis, and integrated marketing. She holds dual bachelor's degrees in literature and history from Geneva College, as well as master’s degrees in business administration and corporate communication from Duquesne University. Her experience as brand manager at MedExpress Urgent Care provided a strong foundation in survey development and implementation, financial analysis, and translating complex data for decision-making. Laura applies an interdisciplinary approach to her work, combining financial analysis, marketing strategy, and data-driven insights.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Laura now lives in Manhattan, Kansas. She enjoys baking, reading, and playing board games with her family.

Karissa joined OEIE in August 2023 as an administrative assistant, bringing extensive experience in office management and team collaboration. She has worked for numerous years as an administrative assistant and specialist, including serving as an administrative specialist for the State of Wyoming Legislature. Known for her meticulous organization and people-oriented approach, Karissa excels at navigating diverse workplace settings and fostering strong team dynamics. She is committed to developing innovative process improvements and supporting colleagues to enhance overall office efficiency.

Originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she currently resides, Karissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, working on home projects, and walking her dogs.

Ian joined OEIE in October 2021 and serves as a research and evaluation associate, bringing expertise in facilitation, coaching, data analysis, and strategic planning. With seven years of experience in quality assurance, process improvement, organizational and leadership development, and strategic planning within the child welfare system, Ian applies a systemic approach to evaluation work. Ian holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice with a minor in sociology from Newman University and a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Emporia State University. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Examiner, credentials that inform his focus on organizational culture and long-term planning.

Born on Long Island and raised in New Jersey, Ian now calls Manhattan, KS home. He enjoys golfing, reading, cooking and baking, and is a devoted fan of Kansas State Athletics and the New York Mets.

Shelby joined OEIE in May 2022 and currently serves as a research and evaluation associate. She holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in physical activity and a bachelor’s degree in athletic training with a minor in kinesiology. Prior to OEIE, Shelby served as a health educator at K-State’s Lafene Health Center, where she was a member of the Cats' Cupboard Advisory Board and helped establish the ‘Cats Connect Program. She is a strategic communicator skilled at delivering engaging presentations to diverse audiences, designing clear and impactful reports, and using visuals and narrative for effective data storytelling. Shelby excels at understanding audience needs and tailoring report content and design to match their interests and level of understanding. She is particularly passionate about community engagement initiatives that build leadership capacity and enhance sense of belonging, health promotion efforts that improve access to healthy foods and promote physical activity, and education initiatives that support educators and provide students with practical learning experiences.

Shelby enjoys staying active through running, cycling, and strength training, as well as reading and caring for houseplants.

Adrienne joined OEIE in July 2022 and serves as a research and evaluation associate. She holds a doctorate in sociology with a criminology focus from Kansas State University, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University, and dual bachelor’s degrees in sociology and biochemistry from Willamette University. Her professional experience includes serving as an adjunct instructor at Eastern Kentucky University, working as a data consultant for the Lexington Kentucky Police Department, and contributing as a freelance writer to educational and political publications, including several criminological books. She has been invited to speak at universities and has been interviewed by news media on her research. Adrienne continues to conduct independent research and lead grassroots organizing efforts. She brings expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, ArcGIS and story mapping, theory application, and scientific communication, with particular enthusiasm for data and report visualization, social justice initiatives, and exploring new analytical tools and platforms.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Adrienne currently resides in Manhattan, Kansas. She enjoys rock climbing, reading, being outdoors, painting, "granny hobbies," and chasing her dogs.

Michael joined OEIE in January 2020 and is currently a research and evaluation associate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Washburn University and a master’s and doctorate in sociology from Kansas State University. During his graduate studies, he served as a teaching assistant for Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Theory, and Social Research Methods, and taught his own courses in Introduction to Sociology, Social Interaction, and Sociology of Food and Agriculture. Michael worked on a USDA grant as a graduate student and has published research in national journals, including his master's thesis in Rural Sociology— which was also cited in The 1619 Project—and a highly cited article on university student food insecurity in the Online Journal of Rural Research and Policy. He brings expertise in communication, research, qualitative data collection including interviewing and facilitated discussions, and analysis, with particular knowledge of the food system, rural development, food insecurity, and poverty. Michael is especially interested in agricultural projects where social science is highly integrated.

Michael currently resides in Manhattan, Kansas. His hobbies rotate between hiking, riding and working on motorcycles and bicycles, playing guitar, playing video games, collecting and playing Pokémon, and collecting sports cards.

Laurel joined OEIE in November 2021 as a research and evaluation associate. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and biological aspects of conservation from University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a Master of Public Health from Washington University in Saint Louis. Her background spanning social work, biology, and public health has positioned her to work effectively with research projects across diverse fields. Laurel brings experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, GIS, R coding, and data visualization and reporting. With a deep interest in conservation and roots in rural Wisconsin, she is particularly drawn to sustainable and regenerative agricultural projects, as well as community service programs focused on food security or mental health.

Laurel enjoys reading, playing video games, trying out new recipes, and spending time exploring outdoors.

Mukesh joined OEIE in May 2023 as a research and evaluation assistant. He holds a doctorate in environmental resources and policy from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a Master of Public Policy from Oregon State University, and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Tribhuvan University in Nepal. His professional experience includes serving as a graduate research assistant at Southern Illinois University and Oregon State University, interning with the Oregon Department of Energy, and leading water sanitation and hygiene improvement projects in Nepal. Mukesh brings expertise in social science research, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and proficiency in SPSS, Excel, NVivo, and Power BI. He is particularly energized by mixed-methods research and evaluation projects that integrate quantitative rigor with qualitative depth, triangulating data to pair numbers with lived experiences for a fuller understanding of impact. With his background in environmental studies, Mukesh is especially drawn to projects that incorporate environmental dimensions or address sustainability-related challenges. Look for the chapter he co-authored in "Forests as Pillars of Social and Economic Resilience" in a global assessment report published by IUFRO—the International Union of Forest Research Organizations.

Originally from Nepal, Mukesh currently resides in Tulsa. He enjoys visiting new places and spending quality time with family and friends.

Gloria joined OEIE in September 2023 as a research and evaluation assistant. She holds a Master of Arts in psychological sciences from the University of South Florida and earned a graduate certificate in data analysis. Gloria brings expertise in quantitative data analysis and survey design, with particular interest in projects related to agricultural sustainability and groundwater, as well as community-focused programs and initiatives.

Originally from Canada and raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Gloria lived in St. Petersburg, Florida for 10 years while pursuing her degrees. She now resides in her hometown of La Crosse. She enjoys writing, traveling, and learning languages.

Lindsay joined OEIE in August 2019 as a student employee and transitioned to full-time in January 2022 as a research and evaluation assistant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology/zoology with a minor in agriculture from Illinois State University and a Master of Public Health in infectious disease and zoonoses from Kansas State University. Her professional experience includes internships with Riley County Health Department's emergency management division and environmental health department, as well as work as a veterinary technician and social media manager. Lindsay also conducted agricultural research at Illinois State University. She brings expertise in survey creation, social network analysis, student supervision, and public health and agriculture, with particular interest in social media and website design, interdisciplinary projects, and visual data presentation.

Originally from central Illinois, Lindsay currently resides in Savannah, Georgia. She enjoys reading, knitting, and exploring local cuisine with her husband.

Kelsy joined OEIE in April 2023 as a research and evaluation assistant, bringing a strong background in education and outreach. She holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Furman University, a master's degree in music education with a bassoon performance emphasis from the University of South Carolina, and an Educational Specialist degree in school leadership from Furman University. Kelsy also holds a teaching certificate in K-12 instrumental music and K-8 school administration. Her classroom experience as an educator developed her skills in patience, clear communication, and project planning and management. She brings creativity and a commitment to education to her evaluation work, with particular interest in K-12 teaching, curriculum enhancement, and Title I programs.

Born in Indiana and having lived in Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina, Kelsy currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee. She enjoys hand embroidery, crafts, and playing with her kids.

Taylor joined OEIE in May 2019 as a student employee and transitioned to full-time in July 2022, currently serving as senior project development specialist. She holds a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in state and local government and a bachelor’s in political science with minors in leadership studies and communication studies. Prior to OEIE, she worked at Kansas State University's Global Campus while pursuing her degree full-time, gaining valuable insight into higher education operations and project coordination. Taylor supports the office through client communications, strategic thinking, and internal growth and development, with a particular passion for new grant projects and building strong client relationships. She is energized by opportunities to engage with new partners, shape projects from the ground up, and create graphics and visual elements that communicate information effectively.

Born and raised in Waterville, Kansas, where she has returned, Taylor enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and seeking out new experiences.

Leann joined OEIE in April 2025 as a Grant Specialist, supporting the development team with supplemental documentation and ensuring proposal components are accurate, complete, and submitted on time. Leann holds dual bachelor's degrees in animal science from Cornell University and accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. Her background in field and lab research—spanning plant breeding, bioenergy, and molecular biology—brings a research-oriented approach to her work.

Originally from Michigan, Leann is now on the Maine seacoast after having lived in New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Connecticut, Washington, and Hawaii. Leann enjoys baking for her family, wrangling her high-energy German Shorthaired Pointer, and heading to the barn whenever possible.

Chris joined OEIE in April 2023 as a research assistant and currently serves as research data manager. He holds a master’s and doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Georgia, where his research focused on student engagement and school completion using advanced statistical methods. His graduate work included a mixed methods research internship with Pearson, Inc., grant-funded program evaluations, and neuropsychological database creation for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Following his doctoral work, he served as a school psychologist and university disability coordinator. Chris specializes in social science research methodology, programming (R, Python), data visualization, and computational approaches including social network and bibliometric analysis.

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Chris has lived and worked in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, and currently resides in Seattle, Washington. He enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, biking, camping, and playing board and video games with his family.

Daniel joined OEIE in July 2021 as a systems analyst. He holds a bachelor’s in biology from Truman State University and brings 11 years of IT experience across academic and industry environments. His career began working at Truman State University's helpdesk as well as the student union working with A/V technology during his undergraduate program, then progressed through positions in both academic and industry settings. Daniel brings expertise in Windows environment management, team and project collaboration, and analyzing and implementing technical systems. He is particularly skilled at defining and refining working systems and technical solutions to optimize team workflows.

Daniel resides in Manhattan, Kansas, and enjoys cooking, playing and recording music, going to the gym, and playing board games, video games, and card games.

Abigaile joined OEIE in May 2022 and is currently working on her doctorate in sociology with an expected graduation year in 2028.

Oluyomibo joined OEIE in January 2025 and is currently working on her doctorate in leadership communication with an expected graduation date of December 2026.

Saloni joined OEIE in January 2025 and is currently working on her Master of Science in data analytics with an expected graduation date of Spring 2026.

Theodore joined OEIE in January 2025 and is currently working on their doctorate in social/personality psychology with an expected graduation year in 2027.