Dr. Chrisanne Christensen is the Grants and Contracts Specialist and is responsible for keeping HARC aware of and pursuing any new funding opportunities to financially support HARC’s program areas. She researches and identifies sources of external funds and supports the business administration and research teams with developing and reviewing proposals for new grant opportunities. She prepares work plans and schedules to ensure timely submission of local, state, and federal grant applications and related deliverables.
Dr. Christensen also interprets contract policies, rules, and regulations and provides staff guidance related to grant administration and compliance, ensuring HARC meets all its contractual obligations and its legal use of funds. She thoroughly enjoys acting as the liaison between HARC’s teams, awarding agencies, grantees, contractors, and subgrantees on administrative procedures and bills.
Prior to joining HARC, Dr. Christensen worked in the education sector for over 25 years, as a tenured psychology professor for 18 years and a special education teacher for seven years. She also consulted for and served on the Board of nonprofit community organizations. This broad career path has provided her with several years of grant management and leadership experience.
Dr. Christensen earned a PhD in Counseling Psychology, where her dissertation contributed to increased funding for the mental health of Texas’ children. She also holds a Master of Education in Specialization Information Technology from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon; a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri; and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Hawaii Pacific University. She also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification.