The Importance of Data & Research

​Building on over 20 years of experience conducting outreach, research, and facilitation, Laura Valles & Associates (LVA) has effectively translated its experience to support qualitative research projects in a broad range of fields including early care and education, mental health, economic development and others. ​

​Laura has led qualitative research projects on behalf of non-profit, governmental, and philanthropic organizations across the state and County of Los Angeles that reflects a passion for research and community outreach. LVA utilizes a variety of qualitative research methods, including focus groups, interviews, case studies, and narrative research.​

• Focus Groups - Design and facilitate linguistically diverse focus groups.
• Interviews - Design and conduct key informant/stakeholder interviews
• Research - Research and develop case studies, environmental scans, learning collaboratives, and literature reviews.
• Theory of Change and Logic Models - Facilitate and co-design processes to develop customized models.

​Some Examples
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Working in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Walter R. McDonald & Associates, Inc., and others, LVA led a qualitative research effort in support of the LA County Department of Mental Health’s Prevention and Early Intervention planning process. As part of this project, LVA led the planning, design, facilitation, and synthesis of data gathered through 64 focus groups and 17 community forums (each designed to support smaller focus group sessions) across Los Angeles County. The final outcome of this focus group/forum process was the participation of approximately 1500 consumers, providers, and stakeholders. ​

Child Care Resource Center
LVA is currently completing a project with the Child Care Resource Center which consists of evaluating the effectiveness of the Gateways Coaching program. The team's role includes the co-design and facilitation of 6 focus groups with low-income women of color who are dedicated to the care and well-being of children ages 0-5. LVA's role also includes the synthesis and analysis of findings, and development of a final report. (Report forthcoming)

Casey Family Programs
Working in partnership with Casey Family Programs, LVA led the design and implementation of an environmental scan of economic development/opportunity efforts across Los Angeles and the state to be used by Casey Family Programs for future planning efforts.