Geri Lynn Peak works to strengthen community-based programs by emphasizing the importance of utilization-focused program evaluation. Using innovative techniques, she gleans practical, action-oriented insights that can be applied within programmatic settings, drive policy and guide further exploration aimed at enhancing the well-being of youth, women, families and communities worldwide.  Relying on information from diverse sources, she frames critical issues for the purpose of clarifying understanding, guiding evaluation or promoting research.  For example, she developed groundbreaking new frameworks (theories of change or theories of action) in the following areas: family strengths to promote improved youth outcomes; cultural and ethnic norms regarding service participation; and practitioners’ support to transform systems of care (e.g. juvenile justice, foster care).

Dr. Peak has served as an independent consultant providing program evaluation, applied research and technical assistance (including training, expert assessment, group facilitation) over the past 15 years, founding Two Gems Consulting Services in 1997.  She has worked independently with agencies, local programs and foundations to provide a variety of service supports, primarily related to evaluation or the application of qualitative research methods including concept mapping, focus groups and site monitoring.  Her work products include the design of conceptual frameworks such as theories of change and logic models; informational guides and tools aimed towards practitioners, in particular those serving adolescents and those promoting the reproductive health and positive birth outcomes of women.

She holds a Doctor of Public Health from The Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, and a Masters of Public Health from the University of California, Los Angeles. She considers herself to be a program evaluator first and foremost.  She currently teaches Program Evaluation during the Population and Maternal/Child Health Summer Institute at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  She co-founded and served as the Managing Director of the Center for Applied Research and Technical Assistance, served as the Research Associate for Baltimore City Healthy Start and was promoted into the position of the Director of Evaluation at Advocates for Youth.  She promotes racial understanding and healing through the Awareness to Action consulting team.  She serves as an elected member of the local administrative institution for the Baltimore Bahá’í community, as a governing board member of Fellowship of Lights, Youth and Community Services and works directly with young people and adults to provide practical, artistic and spiritual enrichment activities on a volunteer basis.  Her undergraduate career balanced biochemistry and dance majors—she continues to balance artistic interests with intellectual pursuits.

A mother of school-aged children, Geri is committed to the development of all facets of young people and their families — spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, social — as well as the promotion of their understanding of and contribution towards the collective good.  She is committed to bringing universal virtues to her work life and in learning how to nurture a vital and dynamic work environment while promoting excellence.

A fiber artist, poet, dancer, jewelry designer and avid organic vegetable gardener, Geri resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband, twin daughters, two cats, four computers and an incredible amount of clutter.

Two Gems Consulting Services        

1016 Lenton Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21212

410 323-7212

410 323-3416/fax

geripeak@charm.net

Awareness to Action

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Updated:  9/5/2004
Copyright © 1999-2004 Jamila Designs/Geri Lynn Peak, All rights reserved