Dawayne Whittington founded Strategic Evaluations, Inc. (SEI) in December 2002 and currently serves as the Director of the team. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and a Master’s of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University of Chicago. Dawayne has worked in the evaluation field since 1998, serving early on as a cross-site evaluator for federally funded K-12 curriculum reform programs. After starting SEI, his evaluation work has focused more on STEM training programs at higher education institutions. Prior to his work as an evaluator, Dawayne taught middle school mathematics for Chicago Public Schools.

In his free time, Dawayne enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, including pursuing the family’s goal of visiting all 50 states. Dawayne also volunteers in Durham and Raleigh helping current and former inmates rebuild their lives.

Ashley Corra joined SEI in 2013 and serves as a Senior Research Associate. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University of Maryland. Ashley utilizes both qualitative and quantitative approaches in her program evaluation work, which mainly focuses on STEM training programs at higher education institutions and at scientific societies. In all of her work, she strives to provide services that are accessible, culturally responsive, and committed to the principles of equity and inclusion.

Prior to joining SEI, Ashley served as an external evaluator for national nonprofit organizations focused on educational outcomes for youth, and also as the program coordinator for two federally funded university programs aimed at improving academic outcomes for K-12 students in North Carolina.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, running, participating in her book club, volunteering as part of a local women’s group, and spending time with her husband and dog.

Kelly Fraidenburg joined the Strategic Evaluations, Inc. (SEI) team in April 2021 and serves as a Research Associate II. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University. Interested in conducting diversity, equity, and inclusion focused research, Kelly published a first-author manuscript titled, Separate and Unequal? Representations of Sportswomen on espnW’s and ESPN’s Instagram, while completing her MA. She served as a university research assistant and teaching assistant prior to her start at SEI. Through SEI, Kelly’s work has expanded to the evaluation of national STEM training programs at higher education institutions.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys simple pleasures such as drinking coffee; being in nature; practicing yoga, Pilates, and meditation; playing sports; watching professional football; and spending time with her loved ones and two pets, Ranger (Labrador) and Rascal (cat).

Sherri Fulp has been a Senior Research Associate at Strategic Evaluations, Inc. (SEI) since October 2011. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Georgetown College in Kentucky and a Masters of Science degree in Science Instruction from Northern Kentucky University. Since 2001, Sherri has worked in evaluation and educational research, beginning as an evaluator for federally funded K-12 science and mathematics reform programs. After joining SEI, her evaluation work has primarily focused on STEM training programs at higher education institutions with a focus on inclusion and culturally responsive programs. Prior to her work as an evaluator, Sherri taught middle and high school science in Kentucky, Ohio, and North Carolina.

Sherri enjoys spending her free time with her husband and daughter, as well as her dogs (Shadow, Jitterbug and Bebop). Sherri also likes to read, knit, roller skate travel and volunteer at her daughter’s school.

Cori Ann Holder started as a Research Associate at SEI in June 2020.  She recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor’s of Music in Musical Theatre Performance. As a Research Associate, Cori has provided administrative support, analyzed data to help with evaluation report preparation and facilitated communication with leaders of STEM training programs at higher education institutions.

In her free time, Cori enjoys dancing, trying new foods, playing with her cat, and spending time with her husband.

Diana Leyva joined Strategic Evaluations, Inc. (SEI) in October 2022 and serves as a Research Associate. She earned two bachelor degrees in Psychology and Social Work from North Carolina State University. While completing her undergraduate degree, Diana served as a research assistant for two different academic departments and became a member of the Rho chapter-Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc.

Prior  to joining SEI, Diana worked with high school administration, staff, and students on NC State’s campus to help support the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to ensure graduation and increased higher education access. She also worked alongside the program’s evaluation team by assisting with research and data collection to support advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion–including the improvement of Latinx representation in postsecondary education.

In her free time, Diana enjoys traveling, trying out new restaurants, reading, working out, going to football games, and spending time with her family and two dogs- Mocha and Milo.

Diana Montgomery has contributed as an education and evaluation consultant to the work of Strategic Evaluations, Inc. since 2010 and joined the SEI team as a part-time Research Associate in 2014. Specializing in qualitative and mixed methods research and evaluation, Diana works closely with the SEI team to evaluate the variety of STEM training programs that comprise the SEI portfolio. Since 1988, Diana’s career in program evaluation and education policy has focused on state and national initiatives to improve the quality of science and mathematics education; to enhance preparation and retention of teachers and science professionals; and numerous other K- 16 reform initiatives. Diana began her career as a high school science teacher and continues, with Outdoor Science Labs, to engage students and adults of all ages in field-based environmental science studies and conservation activities. Diana completed a Ph. D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction at UNC-Chapel Hill; a MAEd in Science Education at East Carolina University; and a BA in Biology and Psychology at St. Andrews Presbyterian College.

Diana enjoys being with family and friends; kayaking, hiking and biking; and dancing with a performing clogging group.  Diana loves to garden, and volunteers time with local residents toward building community and promoting health in a community garden located in a low-income neighborhood.

Cole Rush Whittington has served as a part-time intern for SEI since Summer 2021.  He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Data Science at Boston University and is on target to complete his undergraduate studies in Spring 2025. As an intern, Cole has analyzed pre- and post-survey data and content inventories. His work has also included creating visuals and data figures, using Python, R, and/or Excel.

In his free time, Cole enjoys traveling with family and friends, trying new restaurants and engaging in discussions about economics and current political events.

Denise Whittington joined Strategic Evaluations, Inc. (SEI) in January 2013 and serves as Executive Administrative Assistant. Denise manages the company’s bookkeeping and fiscal records through QuickBooks, pays contractors’ invoices, and  processes team members’ travel reimbursements. Denise also assists the team with data entry and helps the team organize site visits, including booking the travel and arranging the packets of protocols and instruments used during the visits.

Prior to joining SEI, Denise owned her own daycare business and provided care for young persons from newborn to school age. In her free time, Denise enjoys puzzles, reading,  and volunteering to work with children.