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Ann M. Bennett, PhD

Associate Director, Applied Research and Evaluation, Understood

Highlights

  • Leader in program evaluation and applied research

  • Longtime disability advocate

  • TEDx speaker

Ann M. Bennett, PhD, is Understood’s director of applied research and evaluation and a leader in impact measurement and program effectiveness. With more than 20 years of experience across academic and nonprofit settings, she specializes in program evaluation, research methodologies, data analytics, cultural studies, and anti-deficit frameworks.

At Understood, Bennett designs and leads the organization’s applied research and evaluation roadmap, shaping strategies and measurement frameworks that ensure offerings are both evidence-based and effective. She works across Understood’s portfolio — including ADHD Aha!, MissUnderstood, Through My Eyes, and ADHD Unstuck — to advance measurable impact for children and adults with learning and thinking differences, as well as for the parents and educators who support them.

She began her career in education as a secondary educator and then as an assistant professor of educational research. Her work has been published in academic journals, edited volumes, and conference proceedings. Following her career in education, she joined Harlem Children’s Zone as the director of program evaluation, focusing on innovating processes and methods in the area of evaluation and data analytics. 

She identifies as disabled, autistic, and a person with learning and thinking differences. She earned an MS and a PhD in education from the University of Tennessee.

Publications, media, and appearances