Using data to drive strategy, take action, and produce results
About us
Harps Solutions, LLC, is a woman- and minority-owned business in Rockville, Maryland, offering data-driven consulting services that empower organization leaders to make decisions supporting continuous improvement.
Our experts will be your thought partners in the development of actionable strategies that will help your organization improve its programs and processes.
Our mission is to provide rigorous and insightful research, evaluation, program planning, and support services aligned with your short- and long-term organizational goals.
Our vision is to be your trusted partner, helping you transform insights into action and action into organizational excellence.
Leadership
Shauna Harps, PhD
Dr. Shauna Harps is the founder and principal of Harps Solutions. She brings 20 years of experience conducting and managing research, evaluation, and technical assistance projects for foundations and federal, state, and local government agencies. Her clients have included the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Association of American Universities, AT&T, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the New York City Department of Education, the North Carolina Partnership for Children, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Justice. Dr. Harps has trained dozens of professionals, including federal program officers, federal grant recipients, evaluators, and service providers. She has managed projects in disciplines that include education, behavioral health, and human services. Dr. Harps received her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from Syracuse University and her master’s degree from American University.
Services and capabilities
Harps Solutions’ experts will work with you as a collaborative partner, providing robust services that meet your organization’s needs.
Research and evaluation
Harps Solutions will provide services that span the full research life cycle, including—
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Research method design
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Survey development and programming
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Discussion guide development
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Data collection (e.g., online survey administration, in-person and virtual interviews and focus groups, participant observation)
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Data analysis (qualitative and quantitative)
For example, Harps Solutions' experts managed reporting and analysis for the Association of American Universities' campus climate study and conducted mixed-method evaluations of a performance-based funding model for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Connected Learning program for AT&T, and community-building projects for the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Technical assistance
Harps Solutions will enhance your capacity to make more data-driven decisions to help your organization achieve its goals. Our experts have proven skills and expertise to provide program planning and support services, such as—
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Skill- and knowledge-building trainings and workshops
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Tools and resources tailored to your needs
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Topically focused literature reviews and white papers
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Needs assessments to identify strengths and areas to target for support
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Ad hoc requests to improve internal processes and performance
For example, our experts supported Montgomery Moving Forward's systems change efforts (e.g., assessed and summarized strengths and gaps of the initiative's collective impact activities). They also provided capacity-building and program implementation support to state and local education leaders and grantees through the U.S. Department of Education's Comprehensive Centers, the Investing in Innovation program, and the Data Quality Initiative.
Logic model development
A logic model is a critical tool in visually depicting the theory underlying how and why certain changes are expected to occur as a result of program or practice implementation. It is a useful communication tool often used as a first step in planning for a research study, program evaluation, or technical assistance project. Harps Solutions experts will help you best represent your program, initiative, or project in a logic model. We can—
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Work with you to develop and refine theories of change and program logic models.
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Conduct trainings or workshops to build your team's capacity to understand, develop, and use logic models.
For example, our experts developed overarching and nested logic models for the New York City Office of Nonpublic Schools, created and implemented a series of workshops for program officers in the U.S. Department of Education through the Data Quality Initiative, and developed a train-the-trainer series on logic models for Teacher Incentive Fund grantees.
Why choose us
Our experts will tailor our professional services to best meet your organization's needs, drive improvement, and help you achieve your goals.
Strategy
Our experts can identify clear, forward-thinking, and actionable strategies aligned with your organization’s objectives.
Action
Our team moves quickly from ideas to execution to help you achieve measurable impact.
Results
We focus on producing meaningful results and developing data-driven recommendations that guide decision-making processes.
Testimonials
“Shauna brings a rare combination of technical skill, strategic insight, and deep commitment to equitable outcomes. She has an exceptional ability to translate complex data into actionable steps, ensuring that all stakeholders—from district staff to community partners—could engage in informed and productive dialogue. Shauna fosters a respectful, focused, and solutions-oriented environment where every voice is valued. I am truly grateful for Shauna’s leadership, guidance, and remarkable professional skill set. Her contributions have left a lasting positive impact on our district, and I recommend her without reservation to any organization seeking a highly skilled, ethical, and visionary partner."
—Superintendent of a local education agency
“Shauna was a huge asset to Montgomery Moving Forward (MMF). I appreciated her participation and expertise and learned so much from her. The logic model Shauna developed for the initiative has served as a framework for so many of our efforts over the years. Likewise, the report she wrote and presented on MMF’s collective impact activities has enabled positive change, especially as we have moved into new opportunities for raising the profile of the collective impact model. Shauna's amazing strategic advice over the years has also served as an impetus for MMF's work.”
—Director, Montgomery Moving Forward
“Shauna supported my program's work for more than 15 years. She is knowledgeable and technically savvy. It is safe to say that everything she touched improved as a result of her efforts. In addition, she is a joy to work with and I look back fondly on our collaboration.”
—Education Program Specialist for a federal agency
“I worked with Shauna on several projects during her time at Westat. She was always so responsive and insightful, and helped keep interactions organized and straightforward, which brought a lot of value to the work. She is also an expert in the field and has a deep understanding of a wide variety of K-12 topics.”
—Senior Director, Implementation Strategy for a state education agency
Contact us
Would you like more information, or would you like to discuss a partnership with Harps Solutions? Please complete the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!
