The underlying principle of any effective behavior change program is a solid foundation of evidence-based formative research. I had the privilege of hiring and working with Danielle as an International Consultant for our School Health and Nutrition interventions in Sierra Leone. She brought an exceptional depth of technical expertise to the table and conducted a rigorous Barrier Analysis and a series of Focus Group Discussions that revealed critical insights into the behaviors and structural realities affecting schoolchildren’s health and well-being.
What set Danielle apart was not just her ability to conduct high-quality research, but her commitment to turning that research into meaningful action. She went on to design a full curriculum based on the findings, tailored to improve positive behavior uptake by strengthening the links between teachers, parents, and students in order to create supportive environments for sustained change. The curriculum covered a wide range of issues—from hygiene and sanitation to nutrition and menstrual health.
This practical and highly adaptable curriculum became a cornerstone of our School Health and Nutrition programming. It did more than inform—it connected, empowered, and mobilized school communities toward positive change. The resulting SBCC strategy and educational modules were not only technically sound, but also deeply rooted in the lived experience of the children and families we served.
Today, the lives of vulnerable children—especially girls—are being transformed through Danielle’s pivotal contributions. Her work continues to ripple across classrooms and communities.
Michael Olad, formerly with Catholic Relief Services, Sierra Leone