Gabriele Fain

Gabriele Fain has worked on a range of research, evaluation, and technical assistance projects for local, state, and federal agencies. Her areas of expertise include early childhood education, early childhood mental health, and family support services. 

Currently, Fain is directing a portfolio of research and evaluation projects for Michigan, in support of the state’s Preschool Development Grant. This work includes an evaluation of an initiative to increase compensation for the early childhood workforce. In addition, she is directing a project to provide evaluation planning services to First 5 Alameda County, to help prepare the organization for a future evaluation of a local initiative which will provide approximately $120 million each year to strengthen the county’s early education system.

Previously, Fain was the project director of the evaluation of the Oakland Children’s Initiative, a mixed-methods participatory study of a local initiative designed to increase access to early education and to promote college completion. Fain’s other projects include the Evaluation of the New Parent Kit for First 5 California, which included a strong focus on gathering parent/caregiver feedback regarding free resources to support new and expectant parents. 

In addition to her evaluation expertise, Fain has led several technical assistance projects, including a federal TA center to provide support to infant and early childhood mental health initiatives at the local and state level. Prior to joining AIR, Fain worked as an elementary school teacher.