Who We Are

Dr. Hanna is the Co-Lead of the Systems Change Lab (SCL), driving early childhood systems building through participatory methods and continuous quality improvement, drawing on deep knowledge of the early childhood system to identify gaps and turn complex research into actionable change for families and communities.

Dr. Rico Mendez is the Co-Lead of the SCL, focusing on applied systems-level inquiry. She brings expertise in policy analysis, evaluation, and social systems research to support project design, implementation, and strategic learning. She engages in efforts to translate complex data into actionable insights and contributes to cross-thematic initiatives within SCL’s applied research portfolio.

Dr. Anreddy serves the SCL as a computer specialist. He provides support to SCL grant projects through the development of databases, dashboards, data analyzation, and more.

Lisa Long serves as a project lead for several early childhood grant projects, including early childhood-focused Project ECHO projects. Lisa oversees the planning and implementation of those grants.

Melissa Luckett serves as program manager within the Systems Change Lab at the Social Science Research Center. She is currently working on projects focused on early childhood care and development.

John McCown supports the grant activities of the SCL in the areas of data science. He leads and contributes to efforts designing research tools and analyzing and managing collected data.

R’riuna Moore is an undergraduate student at Mississippi State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biological Sciences with a Pre-Medicine concentration. She supports the SCL with research and communications efforts.

Nell Valentine supports SCL project efforts with qualitative data research and visualization. Nell also contributes to report writing and research.

Dr. Baird-Thomas contributes to the SCL in the role of a lead qualitative and quantitative researcher. Dr. Baird-Thomas shares her experience by overseeing specific grant workgroup projects and deliverables and contributing to the creation and design of grant activities.

Bradley Long supports the SCL through various grant activities including developing and implementing qualitative and quantitative research efforts, project activity coordination, and other essential tasks.

Statewide Mind in the Making and Vroom® Coordinator
Heather Martin serves as the statewide Mind in the Making and Vroom® Coordinator for Mississippi. Heather shares information on early childhood brain development through these programs.