
Company
Agora Education Services is a woman-led nonprofit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts. Since 1997, we have served the education community through expert research and evaluation services. Reincorporated in 2025 to address growing gaps in federal education statistics capacity, we are committed to ensuring continuity of critical research and data collection that supports educational decision-making at all levels.
Our team of experienced researchers and methodologists specializes in:
- Educational assessment and psychometrics
- Program evaluation and research design
- Statistical analysis and data management
- Federal and state compliance support
- Technical assistance for education agencies
Whether you need support conceptualizing a research project, designing methodologies, conducting analyses, or ensuring regulatory compliance, Agora delivers rigorous, evidence-based solutions tailored to your specific needs. We are committed to advancing educational equity and excellence through high-quality research and evaluation services.

Meet our team
Board Members
Carolyn Grim, Ph.D.
Presiding Officer
Dr. Grim is an education statistics and psychometrics expert with extensive experience in test development, survey methodology, and quantitative analysis. Her strategic insights and advanced statistical modeling using SPSS, R, and specialize…Read More
Elise Christopher, Ph.D.
Board Member
Experienced in team leadership, project management, oral and written presentation, recruitment and outreach, Elise brings passion and focus to her projects. Most recently, at NCES, Elise managed six simultaneous large, nationally representat…Read More
Kathleen Flanagan, Ph.D.
Board Member
Kathleen Flanagan has led numerous evaluation and large-scale assessment projects. Innovative course modules that show educators how to take charge of classroom and school outcomes are available at chartingyourowncourse.com.Read More
Michelle McNamara
Board Member
Experienced in research design, project management, and evaluating school-based interventions in K-12 settings. Michelle has worked as an evaluator for multiple classroom intervention programs using qualitative and quantitative methods. Most…Read More

Carolyn Grim, Ph.D.
Presiding Officer
- Survey & Program areas:Middle Grades, National Studies
- Service:Data Analysis, Project Leadership, Reporting, Test and Survey
- Employment type:Contract, Full time, Part time
- Work site:Hybrid, Local to me, Remote
Carolyn Grim, Ph.D.
Presiding Officer
Dr. Grim is an education statistics and psychometrics expert with extensive experience in test development, survey methodology, and quantitative analysis. Her strategic insights and advanced statistical modeling using SPSS, R, and specialized psychometric software result in valid and reliable instruments for scales that yield precise, data-driven decisions. She specializes in enhancing data collection processes and improving survey design while maintaining a commitment to excellence and innovation in educational research.

Elise Christopher, Ph.D.
Board Member
- Survey & Program areas:High School, National Studies
- Service:Data Analysis, Project Leadership, Reporting
- Employment type:Contract, Full time, Part time
- Work site:Hybrid, Local to me, Remote
Elise Christopher, Ph.D.
Board Member
Experienced in team leadership, project management, oral and written presentation, recruitment and outreach, Elise brings passion and focus to her projects.
Most recently, at NCES, Elise managed six simultaneous large, nationally representative longitudinal studies of high schoolers into adulthood, resulting in the release of over 10 national-level datasets of survey and administrative data with supporting documentation and supplementary tables. Every product release was on-budget and on-schedule, meeting Congressional mandates for NCES data release and NCES Standards for high data quality.

Kathleen Flanagan, Ph.D.
Board Member
- Survey & Program areas:State-level Studies
- Service:Data Analysis, Project Leadership, State and District, Test and Survey
- Employment type:Contract
- Work site:Remote
Kathleen Flanagan, Ph.D.
Board Member
Kathleen Flanagan has led numerous evaluation and large-scale assessment projects. Innovative course modules that show educators how to take charge of classroom and school outcomes are available at chartingyourowncourse.com.

Michelle McNamara
Board Member
- Survey & Program areas:National Studies, NHES
- Service:Data Analysis, Project Leadership, Reporting
- Employment type:Contract, Full time, Part time
- Work site:Hybrid, Local to me, Remote
Michelle McNamara
Board Member
Experienced in research design, project management, and evaluating school-based interventions in K-12 settings.
Michelle has worked as an evaluator for multiple classroom intervention programs using qualitative and quantitative methods. Most recently, Michelle served as the Survey Director for the National Household Education surveys program at NCES which collected information on parents’ involvement in their children’s schooling and use of child care.
Staff
Tiffany Yanosky, M.A.
Research Associate
Ms. Yanosky is an experienced research professional with a diverse educational background, including …Read More

Tiffany Yanosky, M.A.
Research Associate
- Service:Data Analysis, Reporting, Test and Survey
- Employment type:Contract, Full time, Part time
- Work site:Remote
Tiffany Yanosky, M.A.
Research Associate
Ms. Yanosky is an experienced research professional with a diverse educational background, including degrees in Sociology, Nursing, and Business. Skilled in educational and social research, survey methodology, data analysis, and technical writing. Expertise in using statistical software. Strong project management capabilities with experience supporting government agencies, universities, and non-profits.