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Evaluation Team
IELE’s evaluation and research team is devoted to objectively analyzing democratic projects and programs to help keep them accountable and effective.
IELE’s evaluation and research team is devoted to objectively analyzing democratic projects and programs to help keep them accountable and effective.
Patricia Schulte, M.A.,Director
Ms. Schulte serves as the Director of the IELE and manages the assignment and selection of evaluation and research projects. She has extensive experience as a grant writer and administrator and thus is able to help program directors understand the link between program evaluation and program implementation. She has a master of arts in economics from the University of North Dakota. She has been the principal evaluator for over 20 projects that were funded by the Administration of Children and Families, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and U.S. Department of Education programs.
Helen E. Usera, Ed. D., Principal Evaluator & Researcher
Dr. Usera serves as a principal evaluator and research associate for IELE. Dr. Usera has a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Kansas and is experienced in the areas of quality improvement, program evaluation, educational leadership, educational research, and school and program improvement. She has worked in educational settings as an elementary and middle school teacher, elementary principal, and research assistant for the University of Kansas. Her position as a principal evaluator for the IELE has provided the experience as a program evaluator for programs such as Girls Incorporated, Head Start, Early Head Start, and Boys Health Program. Dr. Usera has consulted and provided evaluation services for the Rapid City Area School District, Meade School District, Kids Voting South Dakota, Midwest Alliance for Professional Learning and Leadership (MAPLE), Rapid City Weed & Seed Project, and the American Center for Credit Education.
John Usera, Ph. D., Principal Evaluator & Researcher
Dr. Usera serves as a principal evaluator for the Institute for Educational Leadership & Evaluation. He holds a Ph. D. in analytical chemistry from Kansas State University, two masters degrees (chemistry and statistics) and has extensive experience in program design, curriculum development, strategic planning, program evaluation, institutional research, and organizational leadership. Previous experience includes administrative positions as dean at the university level. Dr. Usera has served as principal external evaluator and researcher for over 200 programs and projects since 1985. He has also served as evaluator and consultant for projects funded by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and equivalent state departments. Dr. Usera is a member of the American Evaluation Association and the American Statistical Association.
Dyan Eppen, M.S., Data Analyst & Technical Writer
Dyan Eppen serves as a data analyst and technical writer for the Institute for Educational Leadership & Evaluation. She holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree in civil engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Virginia Tech. Her prior experience exposed her to research, analysis, and reporting of environmental and water quality data. At the Chiesman Center for Democracy, she works to apply similar statistical methods toward program evaluation.
Rebecca Andrew, Program Assistant
Rebecca Andrew serves as the Program Assistant for the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Center, the Strengthening Communities Fund and the Institute for Educational Leadership & Evaluation at the Chiesman Center for Democracy, Inc. Prior to the Chiesman Center, she was the Black Hills Coordinator for the nonprofit advocacy organization South Dakota Voices for Children, and served as the mental health coordinator and advocate with Youth and Family Services’ Prenatal to Five Head Start Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Mankato State University, Mankato, Minnesota.
Rebecca Almy, Program Assistant
Rebecca Almy serves as the Program Assistant for the Institute for Educational Leadership & Evaluation at the Chiesman Center for Democracy, Inc. She maintains, organizes and analyzes data. She also assists the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Center and the Strengthening Communities Funds. Prior to working at the Chiesman Center, she worked for the New York State and the South Dakota Department of Labor as an Employment Specialist. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Mass Communication from Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD.
