ABOUT

we partner to drive systems change.

About Us

The team at the Stellar Group cares deeply about our clients and their goals. Our approach is guided by our core values of collaboration, clarity, rigor, and utility. We practice cultural humility as a life long process of learning and growth.

We have a long history of successful projects and we take pride in our ability to customize our approach to truly meet our client’s needs. We are pragmatic, yet also creative and innovative. There is no cookie-cutter approach to our work because each project we work on has a unique set of circumstances and needs.

Learn more about our team & how we approach our work below.

 

Get in touch

Interested in learning more about our approach? Let’s talk.

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Join our Team!

The Stellar Group is looking for new team members in Alaska.

Approach


WE center relationships

We prioritize building genuine, strong, and trusting connections with everyone we encounter in our work. Relationships enable us to do our best work as true thought partners and offer responsive, meaningful services and support to our clients and the communities they serve. We recognize that people, projects, and organizations are dynamic and complex and we pride ourselves on being flexible and responsive.


We are comfortable with compexity

We find meaning and insights to help our clients navigate complexity with confidence. We are naturally curious about what is possible and intentional about holding space for emergence. We recognize the importance of context and know there is seldom a single right answer. We enjoy working on projects that require thinking differently together.


We are committed to quality

Our approach is comprehensive, research-based, and executed with precision. We take pride in being accurate and objective, consistently providing high-quality, impactful work to our clients. We take the time to provide deep, customized analysis.


We practice cultural humility

We constantly reflect on our assumptions and are sensitive to the fact that language and imagery are powerful tools that must be chosen with care. We enjoy working with people of many backgrounds and strongly believe in the value of a participatory approach to research and evaluation.


WE Help our clients learn

We provide useful, jargon-free, highly visual data and information that our clients can put into action to improve their programs and drive change. Clear communication and reporting are hallmarks of our work. Clients value our in-depth understanding of people and communities and the expertise and leadership that we bring to each project.

Meet the Team

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PRESIDENT

Iris Matthews

Iris has always been drawn to work in the public sector. In 2010, she founded the Stellar Group to support people and organizations working on causes that matter with high quality research and evaluation, organizational development, and consulting services.  She brings a critical and strategic lens to complex problems, whether working at the team, organizational, or systems level.

Iris enjoys asking questions that invite deep thinking, facilitating group processes, problem solving, and helping people find meaningful insights in data. As the leader of the Stellar Group, she sets the strategic direction and builds capacity through training, coaching, and mentoring, supporting both clients and staff alike. 

When she’s not at work or working on her dissertation, she’s usually in search of a good book, feeding her sourdough starter, or off on an adventure, near or far. 

Iris is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University.

Education

University of Alaska Anchorage

Master of Public Administration

University of Oregon

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Activities & Affiliations

  • Hawai‘i-Pacific Evaluation Network, Member

  • Alaska Evaluation Network, Member

  • American Evaluation Association, Member

  • Alaska Public Health Association, Member

  • Hawai‘i Public Health Association, Member


 

Project coordinator

Adrian Alarilla, PhD

Adrian’s background in U.S. frontier histories led him to research and evaluation work across Alaska and Hawaiʻi. He brings a historical and relational approach to his research, driven by a deep curiosity to broader context behind complex situations. Clients and colleagues rely on Adrian for deep and engaging conversations, clear and interpretable data visualizations, and his ability to uncover meaningful connections between issues and concepts.

With expertise in mixed methods research, collaborative and participatory approaches, and group facilitation, Adrian values thought partnership and talking through problems and issues. He is energized by meaningful, impactful work and has contributed to projects for the Pacific Island Health Officers’ Association, Kodiak Area Native Association, Tanana Chiefs’ Conference, and Sealaska Heritage Institute. Through his research, he strives to support lasting, systematic change in the lives of people by helping individuals learn more about themselves and their context.

Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, hiking, and traveling. Adrian is based in Washington.

Education

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Doctorate of Philosophy in History

University of Washington

Master of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies

University of Washington

Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Social Science

Activities & Affiliations

  • American Evaluation Association, Member

  • Hawaiʻi-Pacific Evaluation Association, Member


 

Project Coordinator

Kimberly Fitzgerald

Kim centers her work around partnership, bringing energy and curiosity to her role in research and evaluation. She is drawn to projects that aim to create a sustainable impact for states and communities, while uplifting and centering community voices and priorities. Kim thrives in collaborative environments.

With a background in public health research, focusing on social and behavioral sciences, Kim supports clients in thought partnership and implementation, helping bring clarity to project deliverables. Outside of work, Kim is often walking her dog, doing puzzles, or out on the trails in Alaska. 

Education

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Master of Public Health in Social & Behavioral Sciences

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Physiology

Activities & Affiliations

  • American Evaluation Association, Member


 

senior associate

Charlotte Moores

Charlotte is grounded in the belief that community voice is central to creating meaningful systems change. This belief drives her approach as she leads a wide range of projects, tailoring methodologies to fit the unique needs of clients and communities.  Charlotte's expertise includes mixed-methods research, methods development, meeting facilitation, and knowledge translation. With a background in health equity and community-based research. Charlotte is especially drawn to work that supports native, rural, and remote communities.

A systems thinker with a human-centered lens, Charlotte values deep collaboration and trust-building relationships, working closely with our clients and communities to foster strong partnerships. She takes pride in being a valuable thought partner, helping teams navigate complex challenges with insight and purpose.

Off the clock, Charlotte enjoys exploring the trails with her rambunctious rescue pup, Samson. Charlotte is based in Montana.

Education

Simon Fraser University

Master of Public Health

McGill University

Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology

Activities & Affiliations

  • American Evaluation Association, Member

  • Montana Rural Health Association, Member


 

Project Coordinator

Clark Moorman

Clark centers his work around the belief that context is just as important as data, bringing strong analysis skills and a keen eye to detail to every project he undertakes. His rural roots and training in sociology contribute to his distinctive lens and he is drawn to projects that emphasize local approaches.

He most enjoys quantitative data collection and analysis, including GIS mapping and data visualization. In addition to performing detailed analysis, he enjoys helping clients make sense of their data.

Outside of work, he’s often exploring in the mountains or studying the night sky. Clark is based in Washington.

Education

Montana State University

Master of Public Administration

Montana State University

Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Activities & Affiliations

  • American Evaluation Association, Member


 

associate

Sophia Nicholson-Keener

Sophia enjoys deep-dive research and collaborative problem solving. She has the distinction of being the first and only student to receive concurrent masters degrees in public administration and cultural studies at the University of Washington. Because of this, her research approach for policy work is deeply informed by interdisciplinary and mixed methods approaches. She is a tenacious researcher and an engaged and thoughtful listener with an appreciation for nuance, creative problem solving, and conflict navigation.

Before joining the Stellar Group, she worked for the Washington State office of the National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI WA) as the Equity and Engagement Manager, where she was responsible for their continuing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion education and state outreach efforts. She also designed and wrote a coloring and activity book to serve as a mental health and social-emotional learning resource for elementary-aged children and their caregivers. She has also served as the Program Manager for Kids4Peace Washington, statewide Outreach Director and Volunteer Coordinator for De-Escalate Washington, Engagement Strategist for Prism Washington.

Sophia is based in Washington.

Education

University of Washington

Master of Arts in Cultural Studies Master of Public Administration

George Mason University

Bachelor of Arts in History & Global Affairs

Activities & Affiliations

  • American Evaluation Association, Member

  • Washington Evaluators, Member


 

operations manager

Tammy Ramos

With roots in organizational development and a deep commitment to people-first leadership, Tammy brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to operational excellence. She bridges systems and people - combining strategic foresight with practical execution to drive meaningful, lasting impact.

Tammy thrives in environments that require adaptable thinking, cross-team coordination, and thoughtful planning. Her work centers on initiatives that elevate team performance and streamline operations, with a focus on fostering inclusive cultures, encouraging continuous learning, and identifying smart, creative solutions. She is especially energized by opportunities to implement innovative strategies and to empower others to thrive in their work, cultivating environments where creativity and collaboration can flourish.

Tammy is a member of SHRM-Strategic Human Resources Management, a global organization supporting excellence in human resources and workplace leadership. 

Outside of work, Tammy enjoys working with local hardwoods creating custom ocean and lava resin boards, spending quality time with her family, and baking her signature blueberry scones. Tammy is based in Hawaiʻi.

Education

University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Maui Outreach

Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations in Organizations


 
 

senior associate

Kate Stockly, PhD

Kate brings curiosity, precision, and care to each project. She helps organizations clarify complex questions and generate meaningful insights that inform decision-making. Known for her calm leadership and thoughtful collaboration, Kate combines critical and systems thinking with strong communication and facilitation skills to support learning and progress.

Kate uses both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a focus on interviews, focus groups, and mixed-methods designs. She is especially energized by learning the structures and relationships that shape service delivery systems, and by helping teams deepen their understanding of themselves, their work, and their impact. Kate is known for her clear writing, reliable follow-through, and ability to connect big-picture thinking with close attention to detail.

Her work spans sectors including early childhood services, health, education, and sexual violence prevention. Her approach is grounded in respect and always tailored to reflect each client’s goals, culture, and context. Colleagues and clients value her high-quality deliverables, strong facilitation, and steady leadership throughout each stage of a project.

Kate lives in Alaska with her husband, son, and dog.

Education

Boston University

Doctorate in Religion (Scientific Study of Religion)

University of Washington

Master of Arts in International Studies

Pacific Lutheran University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Religion

Activities & Affiliations

  • American Evaluation Association, Member

  • Alaska Evaluation Association, Member

  • American Sociological Association, Member

  • American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, Member


 

associate

Joshua J.T. Uipi

J.T. brings a unique blend of critical analysis and creative collaboration to his work in research and evaluation. With research roots in American Studies focused on Pacific Islander peoples and communities - and a deep interest in cultural consciousness and community impact - he bridges his strengths in cultural awareness, thoughtful research, and dialogue facilitation to foster respectful partnerships and drive positive outcomes.

Much of his work centers on community-based projects in Hawaiʻi, emphasizing respectful dialogue and culturally grounded research methods. His previous work experience in academic settings has deepened his focus on interdisciplinary learning, cultural studies, and Pacific Islander perspectives.

J.T. is currently completing a PhD in American Studies with foci on Indigenous Studies and race/racism. J.T. is based in Hawaiʻi.

Education

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Master of Arts in American Studies

Utah Tech University

Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies

Activities & Affiliations

  • Hawaiʻi-Pacific Evaluation Association, Member


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research & EValuation consultant

Hanna Menefee

Hanna specializes in using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to generate actionable insights that drive meaningful change. With a keen eye for detail and extensive experience in project management, Hanna excels at building strong, collaborative relationships with clients to deliver research products tailored to their unique needs.

Hanna has contributed to research and evaluation efforts across a range of focus areas, including early childhood education, maternal and child health, mental and behavioral health, indigenous education, and systems-shifting initiatives.

Driven by a deep commitment to equity, Hanna ensures that all projects are approached through an inclusive lens, empowering diverse communities and fostering positive social impact. Whether uncovering hidden insights or facilitating those "ah-ha" moments, she is passionate about using research to help others achieve their goals and create lasting, positive change.

Hanna holds a Master of Arts in Public Sociology from Humboldt State University. She is a member of the Alaska Evaluation Network, The American Evaluation Association, and the Hawaiʻi - Pacific Evaluation Association.


Interested in joining our team? We’d love to hear from you.