About
Valley Commons Consulting is led by Erin DeCou, MPA, a former Executive Director with a multi-disciplinary background spanning higher education and the nonprofit sector. Currently a research manager at the UMass-Amherst School of Public Health, my evaluation and research portfolio includes public health, education, and youth development topics. I served as Executive Director of two nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia, Neighborhood Bike Works and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, before relocating to Western Massachusetts in 2016. Since 2018, my work has focused 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.
Why Valley Commons
Organizations and research projects are stronger when multiple stakeholders come together to exchange ideas, figure out how to address problems, and work together to transform them. I think of "the commons" as a space to gather and share resources for the greater good. Throughout my career, I have benefited immensely from the commons, whether they be:​
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Professional networks where I have found friends, commiserators, colleagues, and consultants to help me think through ideas, build confidence in making tough decisions, and help spur me and the organizations I led into the next stage of effectiveness.
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Teams of research collaborators, made up of groups of teenagers as often as highly respected academics, to envision and implement projects that ask the difficult questions needed to advance equity and justice.
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Valley Commons is 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.
Professional Highlights
2021 - present
2016-2021
2012-2016
2007-2009
University of Massachusetts School of Public Health
- Research Manager for the Quality 4 All Research Lab
Smith College Center for Community Engagement - Participatory Action Research Manager & Project Coach Co-Director
Neighborhood Bike Works - Executive Director
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens - Executive Director
Visit Erin's LinkedIn profile for full professional history
Education & Certifications
Public Science Project, Critical Participatory Action Research Institute, 2021
Rutgers University, MPA, Community Development focus, 2010
Bryn Mawr College, Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate, 2013
Skidmore College, BA in Anthropology, 2001
School for International Training, Study Abroad, 2000