About Edstar Analytics
Empowering organizations through data-driven insights and solutions for over 30 years
Our Mission
To empower organizations through data-driven insights and solutions, enhancing their impact and effectiveness. Edstar Analytics commits to delivering high-quality evaluation, grant writing, and technical assistance, focusing on educational and non-profit sectors.
Our Vision
We envision a world where data empowers decision-making and drives social change. Edstar Analytics strives to be a leader in analytics and program evaluation, helping organizations achieve measurable success and sustainable growth.
Our Story
After teaching middle school math, Dr. Johnson earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education with a minor in Statistics under Dr. Lee Stiff’s mentorship. When federal education grants began requiring data-driven decisions, she joined Wake County Schools’ Evaluation and Research department, helping educators translate complex data into actionable insights. Dr. Johnson founded Edstar Analytics, building a team skilled in statistics, IT, technical writing, and graphic design. Together with Dr. Stiff, she launched Data Academy workshops to meet schools’ growing need for data expertise. We’ve helped school counselors implement the ASCA National Model, supported School Improvement Teams in identifying needs through data, and assisted schools in developing data-driven grant proposals. Our mission remains simple: transform educational data into meaningful insights that improve student outcomes.
Leadership Team
Janet Johnson, Ph.D.
President & Co-Founder
Dr. Johnson oversees all activities and is responsible for quality control in program evaluations. Janet holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education with a Minor in Statistics from North Carolina State University.
With her expansive 30-year career in educational research and program evaluations, she is a seasoned expert in utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data to enhance educational practices. As a pivotal co-founder of EDSTAR Analytics, Inc., alongside Dr. Lee V. Stiff, she has been instrumental in developing professional development resources focused on data analytics to improve student outcomes.
Education: Ph.D. Mathematics Education (NC State), M.S. Mathematics (Northern Illinois), B.A. Mathematics (Knox College)
John Wittle
Chief Technology Officer
John brings technical leadership and innovation to our data analytics and system development initiatives.
Lee V. Stiff, Ph.D.
Former President & Co-Founder (1950-2021)
Remembering Lee Vernon Stiff, Ph.D., who passed away on March 19, 2021. He was a nationally recognized expert and scholar on equity and mathematics education. During his tenure as president of Edstar Analytics, he passionately advocated for equity through data-driven solutions.
Dr. Stiff served as Past President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and was honored with the 2019 NCTM Lifetime Achievement Award. As Professor of Mathematics Education at North Carolina State University, his research focused on effective teaching strategies, problem-solving, and the mathematics education of African-American children.
Watch Dr. Stiff’s presentation on using data to promote access to opportunities →
Our Expert Consultants
Michele Oros
Grant Management Consultant
Former Director of Grants and Development for Beaufort County Schools. Secured over $36 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Education, USDA, and state departments.
Education: Ed.S. Curriculum Instructional Specialist, M.A. Library Media Studies
Bernice Campbell, Ph.D.
Program Evaluation Consultant
Expert in executive consultation, program management, strategy development, and research evaluation. Project lead on many evaluations since 2006.
Education: Ph.D. Educational Research & Policy Analysis (NC State), M.Ed. Mathematics Education (Wake Forest)
Kenneth W. Gattis, Ph.D.
Educational Research Consultant
Specializes in grant writing, program evaluation, and data analysis. Expert in translating complex data into actionable insights for educational excellence.
Focus: Grant research, strategic planning, educational program development
Core Team Members
Jackie Alvarez
Senior Data Analyst & Project Lead
Expert in Python and Power Query with exceptional project management skills. Creates insightful data dashboards and infographics while leading client relations and methodology development.
Julie Johnson
Technical Writer & Writing Coordinator
Former Naval officer with award-winning technical writing skills. Oversees all writing activities and conducts literature reviews to provide context for program analysis.
Education: B.A. University of Mississippi
Ready to Work with Our Expert Team?
Let’s discuss how our experienced team can help you achieve your goals.