Melissa Van Dyke, PhD, is an Implementation Scientist-Practitioner and the Director of the Active Implementation Research Network (AIRN). In 2005, Melissa joined Karen and Dean at the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) and provided implementation science expertise while leading and coordinating community, state, and federal initiatives to support effective practices in mental health, child welfare, education, criminal justice, and early childhood. In 2015, Melissa was recruited to serve as the International Expert Advisor on Implementation at the Centre of Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS) at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. Melissa continues to provide leadership on grants and contracts to build capacity in governmental and NGO organizations, communities, and systems, within the United States and internationally, to support effective implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed programs and policies.

Fiona Mitchell comes to AIRN with more than 20 years of experience working in evidence translation, implementation support, and evaluation expertise in the United Kingdom. She is a trained Implementation Practitioner who is experienced at guiding individuals, teams, and organizations to integrate knowledge and skills in applying evidence to practice development, building implementation capacity, and in the collection and use of data to evaluate progress. From 2015 to 2021, Fiona worked at the Centre of Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS) at the University of Strathclyde. During this time, she led and contributed to strengthening evidence-informed practices in child welfare and protection and was part of implementation capacity building efforts across Scotland. In 2018 – 2019, Fiona was co-chair of the program planning committee for the 2019 Global Implementation Conference, hosted in Glasgow, Scotland.

Cara Thompson, PhD, is an implementation specialist for the Active Implementation Research Network.  Cara holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, where she previously served as the EPICS Project Director for the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute.  As EPICS Project Director, Cara assisted institutional and community supervision agencies with the implementation, training, coaching, and sustainability of the EPICS model.  Her previous work for the Corrections Institute also included assisting agencies in the implementation of risk assessments, case planning, cognitive-behavioral curricula, core correctional practices, and program evaluation. In 2015, Cara joined the Department of Community Justice (DCJ) in Multnomah County, Oregon to act as an Evidence-Based Practices Analyst, responsible for implementing and overseeing evidence-based initiatives for adult and juvenile probation and parole.  Cara’s previous work also includes working with PPSO during the training and coaching of the Criminogenic Need and Violence Curriculum (CNVC).  She worked to train initial users, coaches, and trainers during the CNVC process. 

Dayna Albitz is an implementation specialist for the Active Implementation Research Network.  Dayna previously worked for the State of Wisconsin in Community Corrections.  She began her career as a Probation and Parole Agent and Corrections Field Supervisor before transitioning into an Implementation and Fidelity Coach.  In this role, Dayna supported administration and line staff to implement the use of evidence-based techniques into their supervision strategy.  During this process, Dayna supported field supervisors to incorporate coaching into their role which allowed for officers to be supported in their use of these techniques.  Dayna was able to assess fidelity on a unit, region, and statewide level, allowing for administration to make data-informed decisions.  Prior to beginning her work with AIRN, Dayna worked as an Assistant Regional Chief in Community Corrections which allowed her the opportunity to have a leadership role of supporting agents and supervisors in the field, as well as continuing to support the implementation of supervision practices.

Dani Schenk joined AIRN as an Implementation Specialist in July 2023. She began her career as a Health Educator in Guatemala where she facilitated a train-the-trainer model with community health educators. After completing the Peace Corps, she received her Master’s in Public Health from UNC Chapel Hill. For the past eight years she has specialized in the evaluation of implementation science-based programming across a variety of fields. This has included supporting 32 counties in North Carolina with the implementation of a behavioral health coaching program, supporting non-profit agencies across the state with implementation of parenting programs, and working with hospital systems across the nation to build capacity to implement evidenced-based practices. She is excited to bring her background and experience in the evaluation of capacity-related interventions to the work of AIRN.

Kimberly Ingram before joining AIRN, had the opportunity, as the Director of Implementation Support for Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, and applied the Active Implementation Frameworks to the guide the development of Implementation Teams who developed and strengthened the Implementation Drivers within their own organization and within various agencies implementing evidence-based parenting programs across the state. In addition, Kimberly was certified by NC State University in Business Coaching, further strengthening her skills and ability to provide coaching for competence.

Lavonya Douglas, PsyD, is an implementation specialist for the Active Implementation Research Network, at the forefront of advancing evidence-based practices in community supervision. With over 21 years of experience in community corrections in Washington, DC, Lavonya brings a wealth of expertise in implementing and sustaining innovative models, including Core Correctional Practices. Holding a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Psychology specializing in African and Caribbean Mental Health, she has honed her skills at the intersection of psychology, leadership, and cultural diversity.
Lavonya served as a Leader of Leaders, demonstrating exceptional leadership in creating dynamic and effective teams focused on compassion and service. She spearheaded training initiatives aimed at enhancing individual and team capacities, with a lasting impact on individual and community well-being through her commitment to professional development and leadership programs. As an implementation specialist, Lavonya embodies the spirit of transformation and excellence, inspiring colleagues and stakeholders to embrace evidence-based approaches that drive positive change in community supervision.

Jonathan Green has over 25 years of experience in strategic communications, learning and development. He previously served as a communications specialist with The National Implementation Research Network at the University of North Carolina. There he oversaw strategic communications and co-lead the development of the Active Implementation Hub, an online professional learning community on implementation science for the national education sector. Prior to that Jonathan held positions as Director of Knowledge Management for two national early childhood education professional development programs and served as a Senior Research Associate on digital strategy for the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC Kenan Flagler Business School. Jonathan holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Communications and a graduate degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Community Development.