Caitlyn Grubb, Ph.D.
About Me
I lead mixed-methods research and program evaluation across education, nonprofit, and behavioral health settings. I design surveys, conduct interviews and focus groups, and analyze data to generate actionable insights and clear, visual reports that inform strategy and support equity-focused improvement.
Applied Researcher
Services : $150 per hour
Research & Program Evaluation
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Mixed-methods evaluation in education, nonprofit, and behavioral health settings​
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Survey and assessment tool development​
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Qualitative research: interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis​
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Quantitative analysis: statistical methods to assess impact​
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Data visualization and reporting for actionable insight​
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Equity-focused research design and implementation
Focus Areas
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Early Childhood Education
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​Domestic Violence (IPV) Prevention
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Behavioral Health Providers and Programs
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Individual Behavioral Health Outcomes
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Program Evaluations
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Federal and State Funding Policy
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Technological Tools ​
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SPSS
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R / RStudio
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Excel (advanced functions)
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Python (Pandas, NumPy)
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NVivo
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Dedoose
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ATLAS.ti​
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Qualtrics
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Google Forms
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SurveyMonkey
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REDCap​
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EndNote
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Mendeley
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RefWorks​
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Otter.ai
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Rev
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Google Docs/Sheets
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Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
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GitHub ​
2. Testimonials
Knowledgeable and patient tutor
Caitlyn taught my daughter how to better understand written math problems. She was very positive and easy to talk to. She offered great strategies and advice. Looking forward to the next session. Thank you!
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- Chantal, 5 lessons with Caitlyn
Passion/Love for Teaching, and Helpful Tutor! Seriously...AMAZING!
Knowledgeable most definitely, works with our specific needs and interests via my son! I couldn't recommend her enough if you have a student that likes to look outside the box, stretch their learning, or just learn the basics. She has been amazing to say the least!
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- Michelle, 2 lessons with Caitlyn
Super helpful and knowledgeable Psych tutor
Caitlyn helped me brainstorm ideas for my Developmental Psychology essay while helping me understand and apply Psychology concepts in an easy-to-understand way. She was very patient and flexible and I 100% recommend her for any Psychology questions you may have!
- Meg, 1 lesson with Caitlyn
Sweet, caring and competent
My daughter really enjoyed her session with Caitlyn. She spent time studying for her math test but Caitlyn also checked in on any other support she could offer. Looking forward to our next session!!
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- Melissa, 22 lessons with Caitlyn
Amazing, Extremely Helpful and Knowledgeable Tutor
I am pursuing my undergrad degree and Caitlyn has been helping me with my Psychology/Research Methods paper. I couldn't have finished my paper without her help. She is so helpful, patient and a pleasure to work with. I will continue to work with Caitlyn until my degree is complete. I absolutely appreciate her help tremendously. I just love her. Excellent tutor.
- Barbara, 5 lessons with Caitlyn
Excellent communicator
Caitlyn is an effective and efficient communicator. She explains concepts extremely well and is very patient. I wholeheartedly endorse her, and look forward to working with her again in the future.
- Tom , 9 lessons with Caitlyn
Example Projects
1. The Validity and Predictive Utility of CLASS Pre-K in Head Start Classrooms
My dissertation examined the factor structure and predictive validity of the CLASS Pre-K framework in Head Start settings using confirmatory factor analysis and bifactor modeling. Both traditional and bifactor models showed poor fit, high factor correlations, and inconsistent loadings, raising concerns about structural validity—especially in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. Associations between CLASS scores and child socio-emotional outcomes were modest and inconsistent, underscoring the need for more culturally responsive, outcome-aligned tools to assess classroom quality in Head Start.
Find my full dissertation here: https://osf.io/nc5xm
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Find my interactive R Notebook with code and output here: https://osf.io/suqbv
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The figure below displays a correlation matrix with density plots and scatterplots examining relationships between CLASS Pre-K factor scores (Emotional Support, Instructional Support, Classroom Organization) and classroom-level average DECA outcome scores (pre, post, and change scores for Protective Factors and Behavioral Concerns). Results show generally modest and inconsistent correlations, suggesting limited associations between observed classroom quality and child socio-emotional outcomes.
Experience
Independent Instructional Design Consultant
2017-present
Provide personalized support in research methods, psychology, and academic writing, helping adult learners apply concepts to real-world contexts.
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Build strong learner relationships by adapting to diverse goals and using evidence-based strategies to promote confidence and retention.
Develop interactive guides, templates, and resources that reinforce key concepts and support independent learning.
Program Evaluation and Research Coordinator
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
2024-2025
Led qualitative research for behavioral health initiatives, including NIH-funded studies and 988 evaluations, focusing on user needs and system improvement.
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Designed and executed data collection protocols, produced actionable insights, and supported RFPs with research strategies.
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Delivered reports and recommendations to inform policy, training, and implementation.
Teaching Fellow Graduate Teaching Assistant
Colorado State University
2018-2023
Designed and taught undergraduate courses in psychology, emphasizing scientific reasoning, research literacy, and real-world application.
Mentored teaching assistants and promoted instructional quality through evidence-based strategies and inclusive practices.
Fostered critical thinking through ethical research design and data interpretation.
Laboratory Manager
University of California, Santa Cruz 2016-2018
Managed a developmental psychology lab focused on moral development from infancy to adolescence, overseeing daily operations and research activities.
Recruited, trained, and supervised undergraduates in behavioral coding and data collection.
Designed experimental protocols to assess early moral cognition, advancing methodology and student learning in developmental science.
Graduate Researcher
Colorado State University
2018-2025
Led qualitative and mixed-methods research on early childhood education, teacher–child interactions, and family violence policy, with a focus on trauma and systemic barriers.
Collected and analyzed interview, document, and observational data to inform training, service delivery, and trauma-informed systems.
Conducted a dissertation study evaluating the CLASS Pre-K tool in Head Start, generating insights to guide federal policy and learning evaluation practices.
Education and Training
Ph.D.
Psychology (Applied Social and Health)
Colorado State University
2021-2025
Leadership Development Program
Korn Ferry: Leadership for Humanity
2024
M.S.
Psychology (Applied Social and Health)
Colorado State University
2018-2021
B.S.
Psychology
Oberlin College
2012-2016