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About

Valley Commons is led by Erin DeCou, MPA, a former executive director with a multi-disciplinary background spanning higher education and the nonprofit sector. I served as executive director of Neighborhood Bike Works and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, two nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia, before relocating to Western Massachusetts in 2016. My evaluation and research portfolio includes public health, education, and youth development topics. When I'm not working, I'm most likely hanging out with my two kiddos, Benny and Levi, gardening, or reading a good book.

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Since 2018, my professional focus has been on qualitative and community-engaged research, working with scholars at Smith College and University of Massachusetts, and a variety of community partners. A sampling of my projects and publications are below.

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I am based in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts, also known as the Pioneer Valley and the Happy Valley. While I love working with local and regional groups, I am open to collaborating on projects across Massachusetts and beyond.

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Professional Experience

  • Project Manager, Quality for All Research Lab, University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health & Health Sciences, 2021-

  • Participatory Action Research Manager & Project Coach Co-Director, Smith College Jandon Center for Community Engagement, 2016-2021

  • Executive Director, Neighborhood Bike Works, Philadelphia, PA, 2012-2016

  • Executive Director, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 2007-2009

Education

  • MPA, Community Development Focus, Rutgers University, 2010

  • BA in Anthropology, Skidmore College, 2005

  • Tibetan Studies, School for International Training, 2004

Community Service

  • Nonotuck Community School Board of Directors, 2021 - 

  • TEDxWomen Easthampton Organizing Committee, 2018-2019

  • AmeriCorps VISTA Leader, Camden Area Health Education Center, 2006-2007

  • AmeriCorps State & National, Southeast Alaska Guidance Association (SAGA), 2005

Certifications

  • Critical Participatory Action Research Institute, Public Science Project, 2021

  • Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership, Bryn Mawr College, 2013

  • CITI certification in Human Subjects research & Social and Behavioral Research Best Practices

Visit Erin's LinkedIn profile for full professional history

Highlights from my portfolio

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Project SPARC - the Springfield Participatory Action Research Crew

Engaging young adults in exploring the transition out of high school

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In 2019, Smith College's Jandon Center for Community Engagement and Project Coach, in partnership with New North Citizens' Council, launched a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project with the aim of engaging young adults in research for action. 

Publication:

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