Eleanor Richards, MSC
Eleanor Richards, MSC, is a seasoned evaluator and advocate whose career spans teaching, counseling, mediation, and federal program evaluation. She currently serves as an evaluator at the Center for Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Dissemination (CREAD) at California State University, Fresno, where she has worked for over 20 years.
Eleanor specializes in designing evaluation plans for federal grant proposals, developing measurement instruments, conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups, and reviewing program documentation. She also owns Allison Writing Services, providing funding research, grant proposal development, and evaluation services for federal, state, and foundation agencies.
Eleanor’s career path began in education as a teacher and guidance counselor before moving into roles with the American Red Cross, where she was unexpectedly thrust into leadership following the crisis of September 2001. This experience honed her skills in emergency response, communication, and crisis management, shaping her ability to lead under pressure.
Beyond her professional work, Eleanor has been deeply affected by personal tragedy, including the murder of her daughter. This experience redirected her focus toward gun safety advocacy. She now speaks publicly on responsible gun ownership, particularly in homes with children, and works with organizations such as Sandy Hook Promise and Brady to raise awareness and promote safety.
Throughout her career, Eleanor has emphasized the study of trauma and grief and their impact on communities, integrating her expertise into reconciliation and mediation initiatives. Her work reflects a commitment to both improving systems and supporting individuals affected by crisis and loss.
Eleanor holds an MSC with distinction in Marriage and Family Counseling, a BA in English, a teaching credential, and certifications in grant writing and program evaluation from California State University, Fresno. Her extensive training and professional experience have positioned her as a trusted evaluator, educator, and advocate in her field.
• California State University, Fresno - MSC, Marriage & Family Counseling
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of my mentors, including Dr. Elie Wiesel, Sister Helen Prejean, and Dr. Sharon Brown Welty, who helped shape my career in education and evaluation. Their encouragement inspired me to pursue opportunities that challenged me and allowed me to make a meaningful impact. I am proud of my career achievements, including being recognized as Counselor of the Year for California and my work mediating with gangs and death row inmates. I also dedicate myself to charitable activities in my daughter Anna’s name, operating three organizations: Anna Bags, a scholarship fund, and a backpack program that distributed 60 backpacks with school supplies in its first year. These initiatives were inspired by Anna’s kindness toward a Yemeni woman and were supported in part by a veteran’s $1,000 donation to launch the backpack program.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value my personal educational journey deeply, as education was a key principle instilled by my parents, who emphasized its importance even in the face of challenges. Their guidance shaped my lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth. I am passionate about education and believe strongly in the principles of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), advocating for inclusive learning environments that empower every student to reach their full potential.
Locations
California State University, Fresno - Center for Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Dissemination (CREAD)
Fresno, CA 93740