Dr. Robyn

Dr. Robyn, Ph.D. is an education researcher with over 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, teacher training, and program evaluation. Her career is rooted in advancing equity and building stronger connections between schools, families, and communities to drive improved outcomes for children and youth.

Dr. Robyn most recently served as Director of Research and Innovation at Families and Schools Together (FAST), where she led a national professional development program that equipped educators and district leaders with the skills and strategies to build equitable, high-impact family engagement practices. In this role, she secured and managed philanthropic funding, coached leaders in large urban districts, and developed tools and evaluation systems to strengthen implementation and scale impact.

Previously, Dr. Robyn was Director of Research and Evaluation at the Center for Inspired Teaching, where she designed and led comprehensive program evaluations, partnered with schools to align professional learning with instructional goals, and supported federally funded initiatives. Earlier in her career, she served as a social studies teacher in New York City, where she helped shape the school’s early vision for equity and excellence.

Her research background includes work at the Institute for Education and Social Policy at New York University, where she studied STEM learning, policy implementation, and supports for high-need schools. She has also shared her expertise widely, presenting at national conferences including the IEL National Community Schools Conference, the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement, the WIDA National Conference, and the American Education Research Association conference.

Dr. Robyn holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from New York University, an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a B.S. in Interpersonal Communication from Ohio University. She has authored white papers, reports, and research studies on family engagement, professional development, and innovative practices in teaching and learning.

Throughout her career, Dr. Robyn has been recognized for her ability to translate research into practice, build cross-sector partnerships, and design strategies that advance racial and social equity. She is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and equipping educators, families, and communities with the tools to help children thrive.