Sara Shaw, PhD, leads SchoolHouse Connection’s research and evaluation initiatives. Her work focuses on using mixed-methods and community-based research to promote access to education for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Prior to joining SchoolHouse Connection, Sara was a Senior Research Scientist at Child Trends, where she designed and led research and evaluation projects at the local, state, and national levels. In Newark, New Jersey, she was part of a team working closely with residents to co-produce knowledge and policy recommendations aimed at advancing community-level change for families facing housing-related challenges in the South Ward. At the state level, Sara has led evaluations of Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) programs. Nationally, she served as co–principal investigator on a project exploring the early care and education needs and preferences of families living in public housing developments.
Sara regularly presents to practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, and has authored research briefs, reports, white papers, and practitioner-focused newsletters. Her work has recently been cited and featured in outlets including The New York Times, NBC, and a local NPR affiliate.
She holds a PhD in human development and family sciences from the University of Delaware.