Since 2018 Margaret Beam, aka Maggie, has provided research and evaluation services as an independent consultant in the areas of education, health, and social service. Prior to starting her independent consulting firm, she directed the Portland office of RMC Research for 3 years and worked for over 20 years conducting applied research in school- and community-based settings. As a developmental psychologist she has particular interests in child and adolescent development and wellbeing within the contexts of family, school, and community.

She applies her combined quantitative and qualitative expertise to developing mixed-methodology approaches to evaluation and works with clients to review and provide guidance on existing evaluation plans, design and implement evaluations, and build organizations’ capacity to evaluate and interpret data. She is thoughtful in her approach to each new project and uses her experience working with a wide range of clients across multiple discipline areas to guide her thinking. Margaret obtained a Master’s in Social Ecology and a PhD in Human Development from the University of California at Irvine.

Margaret starts every day off with 3 espressos. She enjoys furry friends, dogs in particular; appreciates the serenity of a long hike; is inspired by the work of Nicholas Kristof; and loves taking time off for an adventurous vacation with her husband and kids. She engages in her community advocating for children in the foster care system, serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer for CASA for Children in Multnomah County, Oregon.