Who We Are

A Team Built on Curiosity and Purpose

CPER is a mission-driven evaluation and research center rooted in collaboration, learning, and community partnership. Our team brings together a range of professional backgrounds in education, social science, nonprofit work, and organizational development, creating a collective that values curiosity, critical thinking, and clear communication.

We approach evaluation as a practical and human-centered process that helps organizations reflect, adapt, and grow. Guided by equity and a commitment to strengthening local systems, we strive to make evidence accessible, useful, and meaningful for the people working closest to their communities.

Our Team

Frances Trejo

Director of Projects & Operations

Fran is the Director of Projects & Operations at CPER, where she leads the planning, coordination, and implementation across a diverse portfolio of evaluation projects. She manages timelines, facilitates multi-partner collaboration, and ensures the delivery of high-quality, actionable findings for clients. Fran holds a master’s in Public Administration and graduate certificate in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies–Political Communication from the University of Texas at Austin. Fran has interned and worked for different organizations in Central Texas focused on STEM education, health education, and economic development research.

Fran’s evaluation approach is rooted in culturally responsive practices, equity, and clear communication. Drawing on her communications and project management background, Fran prioritizes accessible, audience-centered reporting and elevates the perspectives of those closest to the programs being evaluated. Her professional interests include organizational development, the intersections between communication theory and evaluation practice, people-focused leadership, and how nonprofits remain connected and accountable to their communities.

Sarah Bluebonnet, PhD

Senior Evaluator

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Azucena Madrid

Evaluator

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Rachael Cemental

Evaluation & Operations Coordinator

Rachael is an Evaluation Associate at S&A, where she supports her colleagues with a variety of day-to-day tasks while pursuing a certificate in Evaluation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a focus on Public Relations from the University of Texas at San Antonio and brings a strong background in Quality and Data Assurance to her role.