This page is optimized for a taller screen. Please rotate your device or increase the size of your browser window.

Cynthia
Klein

Principal Associate, Account Lead

Cynthia Klein, Ph.D., has 20 years of experience leading communications and technical assistance projects. Additionally, she’s conducted process, outcome, impact, and cost evaluations for federal, state, and local government and non-profit clients across a multitude of topics. With a background in the behavioral sciences, Klein brings rigorous qualitative and quantitative research skills coupled with a strong understanding of evaluation principles and approaches , including focus groups, key informant interviews, and surveys.

As a principal associate and project director, Klein ensures program objectives map to measurable outcomes by conducting strategic planning sessions with program leadership and stakeholders to target data collection measures and methods as appropriate. She has conducted formative research to develop and revise campaign materials, create improved data collection tools, increase recruitment rates and long term adherence to study protocols, and develop culturally appropriate educational materials and behavioral interventions. Her work on communications and outreach projects has led to numerous presentations to scientific and non-scientific audiences, and she’s written reports to stakeholders and for publication. 

Klein came to Abt from SRA International (previously Constella Group), where she worked as a Research and Evaluation Project Director conducting  evaluation projects for federal government and non-profit clients in the topic areas of injury, violence, HIV/AIDS, early childhood development, and access to healthcare. Much of her work involved the evaluation of communications and community outreach efforts, including broadcast media, social media, web analytics, and community partnerships.  While at SRA, Klein also served as a Practice Area Lead to head the Epidemiology and Behavioral Interventions Study Section and oversaw formative research studies to design data collection tools and interventions aimed at reducing percutaneous injuries in home health care nurses, increasing adoption of asthma precautions in young children, and improving adherence to safety measures in dialysis centers.     

Expertise:

  • Message and Materials Testing
  • Training and Technical Assistance
  • Program Evaluation
  • Community Programs and Interventions
  • Application of Social and Behavioral Science Theory
  • Quantitative/Qualitative Data Collection

Key Projects:

  • Evaluation of Behaviorally-Based Interventions to Increase Enrollment in the CDC-Recognized Lifestyle Change Program
  • Research and Evaluation Lead, Zika Virus Readiness Education Initiative
  • Implementing and Identifying the Best Practices for Achieving Baby Friendly Designation
  • Implementing PCOR to Increase Referral, Enrollment and Retention in Cardiac Rehabilitation through Automatic Referral with Liaison

Publications:

  • Soler, R.E., Proia, K., Jackson, M.C., Lanza, A, Klein, C., Leifer, J., and Darling, M. (2018). “Nudging to change: Using behavioral economics theory to move people and their healthcare partners toward effective type 2 diabetes prevention.” Diabetes Spectrum Nov; 31(4): 310-319.
  • Gelaude, D., Hart, J., Carey, J.W., Denson, D., Erickson, C., Klein, C., Mijares, A., Pitts, N. and Spitzer, T. (2017). “HIV provider experiences engaging and retaining patients in HIV care and treatment: A soft place to fall.” Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care.
  • Winn, A.K., Salo, P.M., Klein, C., Sever, M.L., Zombeck, A., Harris, S., Johndrow, D., Crockett, P.W., Cohn, R.D., & Zeldin, D.C. (2015). “Efficacy of an In-home Test Kit in Reducing Dust Mite Allergen Levels: Results of a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.” Journal of Asthma.
  • Etheridge, R., Klein, C., LaCoste, J. & Marks, J. (2012). Outcomes Measurement in the Human Services: Cross Cutting Issues in the Era of Health Reform. Outcomes Measurement for Children and Family Services: Successful Approaches for Practice, Management, and Policy. 
  • Sarmiento, K., Mitchko. J., Klein C. & Wong, S. (2010). Evaluation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s concussion initiative for high school coaches: “Heads up: concussion in high school sports.” Journal of School Health, 80, 112-8.
cynthia klein