Sammy is a research scientist who uses qualitative, implementation science, survey, and community-based participatory research methods to study behavioral health access and integration, rural health care delivery transformation, and community health and well-being.

Sammy manages research projects for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), CMS Innovation Center (CMMI), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), National Rural Health Resource Center, and various private foundations. Most recently, she led the behavioral health case study for the evaluation of the Pennsylvania Rural Health model, managed the Massachusetts Lawyer Well-Being Study, and served as qualitative task lead for the evaluation of the Delta Region Community Health Systems Development (DRCHSD) Program. For the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act evaluation, she evaluated the implementation of the Mobile Treatment Unit program. Samantha also provides cross-site training/technical assistance (TTA) to support recruitment efforts and promote community-engaged research for the Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC PD) study, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Previously, Sammy worked at Abt Associates where she supported the Massachusetts Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Technical Assistance Program (funded by MassHealth) and the Opioid Overdose Epidemic Crisis Response (funded by CDC).