Meet the People Behind the Data!

Pacific Research and Evaluation is a team of seasoned professionals. We have earned a stellar reputation for balancing rigorous research and consulting services with a friendly, collaborative style. Drawing on a variety of educational backgrounds and professional experiences, PRE’s staff has the needed expertise to excel in all areas of applied research and consulting.

Steven Rider, Ph.D.

Founder and President
Steven Rider, Ph.D. is the founder and President of Pacific Research and Evaluation. He earned his doctorate in Psychology at the University of Arizona and has been involved in research and program evaluation for more than 25 years. He has directed a wide range of local and state projects, as well as studies funded by a variety of federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Labor, and Justice. Steve has also worked with numerous organizations to provide technical assistance regarding program evaluation, providing thoughtful insights regarding study design and the interpretation and application of evaluation findings. He has taught college courses in statistics and research methods and has expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, measure development, and survey research. In his free time, he is currently trying to get better at chess or reading the occasional classic (but often just a page-turner).
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Kristi Manseth, Ph.D.

Vice President, Director of Research

Kristi Manseth, Ph.D., is the Vice President and Director of Research at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She earned her doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Portland State University in 2009 and has been part of the PRE team for 14 years. Kristi leads the team’s strategic direction, external relationships, and business development. In addition, she serves as an internal thought partner to project teams, assisting with the design of evaluation, technical assistance, organizational consulting, and change management efforts. Kristi is Prosci certified and partners with Dr. Shalyn Stevens to lead PRE’s change management and organizational consulting services.

Kristi has conducted research and evaluation studies with a variety of organizations, including PK–12 and post-secondary education, nonprofit organizations, and federal agencies under PRE’s GSA contract. She is passionate about employee well-being, both as a researcher and a business leader. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading a good book, and spending time with family.

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Regina Wheeler, M.A.

Senior Research Manager
Regina Wheeler, M.A., is a Research Manager at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2011 and has been a member of the PRE team for 12 years. Regina leads a team of five researchers at PRE by providing support and oversight on their projects, as well as guidance on data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques. With strong skills in project management, Regina has also managed projects in a variety of sectors at PRE; most notably, she has extensive experience managing projects in higher education. In her free time, Regina enjoys rooting for her favorite sports teams and being on the water.
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Shalyn Stevens, Ph.D

Research Manager
Shalyn Stevens, Ph.D., is a Research Manager at Pacific Research and Evaluation. Shalyn received her doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, with a concentration in Occupational Health Psychology, from Colorado State University. She has been at PRE for two years and has more than 10 years of experience in research and program evaluation. At PRE, Shalyn co-leads a team of four researchers, with a primary focus area in organizational performance. She enjoys working with clients from both the public and private sector to form collaborative partnerships, translate research findings into actionable insights, and improve worker and organizational outcomes. Outside of work, Shalyn enjoys being outdoors, reading a good mystery book, and traveling.
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Taline Kuyumjian, M.A.

Senior Research Associate
Taline A. Kuyumjian, M.A., is a Senior Research Associate with Pacific Research and Evaluation. Taline received a master’s in Museum Studies from the University of Washington, Seattle, with added graduate-level certificates in audience research and nonprofit administration. Her undergraduate degree is from Saint Mary’s College of California, where she earned a B.S.E. in Business Administration and minored in Art History. She has been with PRE for four years and has practiced research and evaluation for 15 years; her areas of expertise include studies with nonprofits, cultural organizations, community-based organizations, and across a range of formal/informal learning environments. Taline is an avid reader, an amateur photographer, and loves a good road trip.
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Serena Chapman, M.A.

Research Associate 2
Serena Chapman, M.A., is a Research Associate at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Evaluation and Positive Organizational Psychology from Claremont Graduate University. She has been with the PRE team for two years and has over eight years of experience evaluating a wide variety of programs in higher education, K-12 education, mental health, and more. Serena especially enjoys managing projects, conducting qualitative research, and using her keen eye for design to bring information to life through data visualizations, infographics, and reports. Outside of work, Serena loves taking her bike out for long rides, spending quality time with friends, and dreaming up her next travel adventure.
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Sarah Northcutt, B.A.

Senior Research Assistant

Sarah Northcutt, B.A., is a Senior Research Assistant at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies from Oklahoma State University in 2021. Sarah has been a member of PRE for two years, providing support through data collection, analysis, and reporting, for various projects within early childhood education, K-12, and higher education organizations. She is passionate about utilizing data to tell a story and inform decision making processes, as well as working towards enhancing equity across organizations. Outside of work, Sarah loves to bake cookies, read, catch up on her favorite Food Network shows, and go to yoga classes!

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Maddie Bessler, M.P.H.

Senior Research Assistant

Maddie Bessler, M.P.H., is a Research Assistant at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She holds a Master of Public Health in Community Health Promotion from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology with a concentration in psychology from the University of Kansas. Maddie supports various projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting, with experience in piloting and evaluating programs in rural areas. She is passionate about health equity, global health, and qualitative research methodologies, and enjoys working on projects that involve community health and equity-focused collaboration. Outside of work, Maddie loves hiking with her dog, Rosie, reading, thrifting, and planning travel.

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