Dr. Rebecca Ochtera is an Associate Director at Spark Policy Institute with over fifteen years of experience designing, implementing and leading research and evaluation projects aimed at improving public health, particularly for under-served populations. As part of this work, she has experience utilizing participatory methods such as community-based participatory research, strategic learning, and the arts for promoting community-driven solutions to social justice and equity issues.

At Spark, Rebecca oversees a diverse portfolio of large-scale projects and focuses on evaluation design, implementation, and strategic thought partnership with clients to support a variety of systems-level interventions. Her current projects include interventions utilizing public will building, collective impact, and narrative change strategies to address complex social issues such as homelessness and infant mortality.

Outside of work, Rebecca is happiest creating art and gardens and loves being a foster mom through the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) program in Denver. Rebecca received her PhD and MPH in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.