The team behind ECDataLab

Missy Coffey, Ph.D., is Founder and Executive Director of ECDataLab, where she partners with government agencies to strengthen the use of data to inform policy, improve programs, and support better outcomes for children, families, and communities. With nearly two decades of experience leading state and federal data and evaluation initiatives, she helps agencies move from data collection to practical, decision-relevant insight — aligning data governance, building cross-agency collaboration, and advancing analytics so leaders can answer high-priority policy questions using the data they already have. Over the past 15 years, she has supported more than 40 states in developing integrated early childhood data systems.

Rebecca Valenchis is a technical assistance leader and program evaluator with more than 20 years of experience advancing early childhood systems, special education, and data-informed decision-making. She brings deep expertise in data governance, program evaluation, and cross-sector collaboration, supporting federal, state, and local partners in strengthening systems that improve outcomes for children and families. Her career spans technical assistance, policy implementation, and direct service, including experience as a special educator working with children from birth through elementary school.

Leslie R. Levey is a technical specialist and senior project leader with more than two decades of experience delivering complex IT and data integration initiatives across state, federal, and private sector environments. She brings deep expertise in software implementation, enterprise data systems, and multi-agency collaboration. Most recently, Levey has served as an IT Consultant to the New Jersey Department of Education, leading the development of enterprise data solutions including a cross-agency Oracle data warehouse integrating early childhood data from multiple state systems.

Stephen Matherly is a seasoned early childhood and behavioral health leader with more than two decades of experience advancing program innovation, interagency collaboration, and data-informed decision-making across Utah's public service systems. He served as Early Childhood Program Lead at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, where he led the development of Utah's first Early Childhood Integrated Data System (ECIDS). Previously, Matherly served as Program Lead at the Office of Child Care at the Utah Department of Workforce Services, where he launched the state's first Quality Rating and Improvement System.

David Halladin is a data engineering leader with expertise in building scalable data systems and transforming complex data into actionable insights that inform decision-making. He specializes in designing and managing data pipelines and developing user-friendly data products that make information accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences. His work focuses on enabling agencies to move from data collection to meaningful analysis, supporting more informed policy and program decisions.

Ross Gilliland is a strategic advisor and data systems expert with more than a decade of experience advancing early childhood and human services data integration. He helps agencies tell their story with data — asking and answering the right questions to inform meaningful policy and program decisions. Drawing on his experience as a director in both public- and private-sector analytics, his work has focused on data modeling methodologies, data product design, building analytic capacity within government systems, and translating complex information into actionable insights for leaders and practitioners.

Sarah Criscuolo is a project and event operations professional with experience supporting complex, high-visibility initiatives through strong coordination, communication, and stakeholder engagement. Her work reflects a commitment to creating well-coordinated, impactful experiences that support organizational goals and strengthen partnerships.

Brandon Malmberg is a strategic advisor and leadership coach with experience supporting mission-driven organizations and leaders navigating growth, transition, and impact. As Partnership Manager, he is part of the core ECDataLab team and provides data systems and analytic support to state and local agencies, working alongside specialists in policy, analytics, and technical implementation. Brandon brings a systems-level perspective to his work, helping leaders move from reflection to action with greater clarity and confidence.

Bridget Goldhahn is a strategic communications and design leader specializing in translating complex research and data into accessible, engaging, and actionable digital experiences. With deep expertise in visual communications, brand strategy, and content design, she helps organizations strengthen how they communicate insights, tell stories, and drive impact.