WHO WE ARE

TrueSafety EvaluationSM brings an expert think-tank approach to defeat the distraction-crisis, eliminate toxic work environments, and foster a culture of health, well-being and safety.

OUR CAUSE

Cultivate safe, resilient, and healthy workplaces that nurture a compassionate and productive society.

OUR MISSION

Foster organizational wisdom to fortify health, well-being and safety.

Our Team

Team members include a range of highly skilled professionals with expertise in:

Human Factors
Safety Management Systems
Fatigue Risk Management
Mindfulness



Program Evaluation
Quantitative & Qualitative
Research Methods
Cognitive Task Analysis
Technology Integration

Organizational Development
Culture Change
Healthcare
Biotech

MICHAEL COPLEN

PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER

READ BIO

X

Michael Coplen

President and Founder of TrueSafety EvaluationSM

Mike Coplen, the Founder & President of TrueSafety EvaluationSM, brings over 40 years of extensive expertise in organizational culture change and safety leadership. As a distinguished strategist and analytical thinker, Michael’s career is highlighted by over two decades of impactful service with the Federal Railroad Administration and as Division Chief of Safety Policy and Promotion at the Federal Transit Administration under the Department of Transportation. His work has been instrumental in forging significant safety enhancements, achieving outcomes such as a 76% decrease in injury rates and substantial reductions in derailments and at-risk behaviors. His evidence-based approach has driven regulatory reforms and elevated safety standards across the transportation sector.

An authoritative voice in behavior-based safety and organizational culture change, Michael is a prolific author and speaker. His scholarly contributions have earned him prestigious accolades from the American Evaluation Association, including the 2009 Gunnar Myrdal Government Award and the 2012 Outstanding Evaluation Award.

Holding a master’s degree in Management and Organizational Behavior from the University of Nebraska and advanced post-master’s studies in Industrial/Organizational Behavior at the University of Connecticut, Michael is also a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and a Mindfulness Workplace Facilitator. Additionally, he is an RYS Yoga Teacher, credentials that enhance his holistic approach to leadership training and culture change.

During his free time, Michael enjoys playing golf, dabbles in real estate, and volunteers teaching mindfulness online and in person in his local community in Southport, NC. 

JACKIE QUAN

BIOTECH CONSULTANT

READ BIO

X

Jackie Quan

BIOTECH CONSULTANT

Jackie Quan is the President and Founder of JQ Consulting and has worked in the biotech / pharmaceutical industry for more than 25 years, spanning multiple roles in sales / marketing, medical affairs and research and development (R&D). Jackie led complex, multi-party, global cancer clinical research and development (R&D) alliances program and project management, winning multiple awards for teamwork and innovation.

Jackie specializes in cross-functional teaming, focusing on enhancing productivity and performance in complex clinical trials/programs across departments and organizations while creating an environment for psychological safety. Additionally, Jackie specializes in stress reduction, resilience, and promoting workplace happiness to enhance overall productivity.

Jackie has an undergraduate degree in biology from Austin College, holds certificate in Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School, Happiness at Work & Science of Happiness from UC Berkeley, 2 Mindfulness certificates and a certificate in Medical Neuroscience from Duke University.  Jackie gives keynote presentations, talks, and workshops on happiness, stress reduction, and resilience to bio-tech companies, large universities, and multi-national foundations.

During her free time, Jackie likes to read, learn about happiness work culture, the science of happiness, mindfulness and neuroscience, spend time with family, find any excuse to gather with family to celebrate anything, and volunteer expertise for health and wellness endeavors.

MICHAEL HARNAR, PH.D.

RESEARCH & EVALUATION METHODS EXPERT

READ BIO

X

Michael Harnar, Ph.D.

Research & Evaluation Methods Expert

Michael Harnar, Ph.D., presently holds positions of Assistant Professor of Evaluation at Western Michigan University, Director of Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation Program, and Co-Executive Editor of the Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation.

As an educator, Michael has taught more than 30 graduate courses to over 200 students at 4 institutions, most either new courses, or redesigned to maintain current content and pedagogy/andragogy. Michael’s areas of expertise are evaluation methodology, change facilitation, communication, project management, and program administration.

Michael has been awarded multiple distinctions throughout his career, including Western Michigan University’s in Discovery Award for Largest New Multiple Year Award 2018-2019, American Evaluation Association’s 2011 Outstanding Evaluation Award for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Changing At-Risk Behavior Evaluation, with J. Ranney, M. Zuschlag, and M. Coplen, Navy Chief of Information’s Merit Award (1991 & 1992) 1st Place News Broadcast Production for NavEur Magazine, and multiple military designations.

During his free time, Michael raises three daughters, watches tennis, and actively contributes to livelihood of Western Michigan University student experience.

JUNA SNOW, PH.D.

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH & EVALUATION EXPERT

READ BIO

X

Juna Snow, Ph.D.

Educational Research & Evaluation Expert

Juna Snow, Ph.D., is principal of InnovatEd Consulting, LLC, which focuses on innovation development, education and evaluation, and is on faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Snow previously served on faculty at Boston University and as a senior evaluation specialist at the University of California, Berkeley. She has served as an Executive Officer for both the American Educational Research Association and the American Evaluation Association. Dr. Snow also is a reviewer for the National Science Foundation and the peer-review journals, Evaluation and Program Planning and Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation.

Building on 25 years of experience in the education field as a curriculum designer, technology developer, instructional trainer and teacher in formal and nonformal settings, she has honed her expertise in applied social science research including learning assessment, outcomes measurement, and program evaluation, particularly applications informing safety culture, including fatigue risk management. Since 2008, Dr. Snow has collaborated on multiple projects sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, with both the Federal Railroad Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, that focus on knowledge transfer for safety education and continuous improvement in the rail and transit industries, including the SOFA (Switching Operations Fatalities Analysis) Working Group, the Railroaders’ Guide to Healthy Sleep website, and the Short Line Safety Institute.

Juna earned her doctorate in Science and Technology in Education, with a program evaluation specialization, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

During her free time, Juna enjoys caring for her family, dabbling in her greenhouse, playing golf, practicing yoga, and walking meditations with her dog.

JONATHAN MORELL, PH.D.

COMPLEX SYSTEMS RESEARCH & EVALUATION EXPERT

READ BIO

X

Jonathan Morell, Ph.D.

Complex Systems Research & Evaluation Expert

Jonathan A. Morell, Ph.D. (Jonny), is an expert in organizational psychology and program evaluation, with a focus on transportation safety. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from McGill University and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Northwestern University. Jonny is the founder and owner of 4.669 Evaluation and Planning and has been the Director of Evaluation at Syntek Technologies since 2010. His career includes roles as Senior Policy Analyst at Vector Research Center, New Vectors, LLC, and Altarum Institute, as well as Principal Member Technical Staff at the Industrial Technology Institute. Earlier, he was Technical Staff at Martin Marietta Energy Systems and Associate Director and Professor at Hahnemann University.

Jonny is recognized for his systems approach to evaluation, aiming for simplicity despite complex outcomes. He has received the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Evaluation Theory Award and the Robert Ingle Service Award from the American Evaluation Association (AEA), where he also served as a Board Member from 2013 to 2015. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Evaluation and Program Planning. Jonny’s recent projects include safety programs, R&D, distracted driving, and program design evaluations. He also conducts workshops and one-on-one coaching. More details about his work are available on his website, www.jamorell.com, his blog, www.evaluationuncertainty.com, and his YouTube channel.

JOHN TOLMAN, MBA

LABOR RELATIONS CONSULTANT

READ BIO

X

John Tolman, MBA

Labor Relations Consultant

John brings more than 40 years of labor relations expertise to TrueSafety Evaluation. He is the former Vice President & National Legislative Representative for The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) and served on numerous Rail Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) and other industry panels. Throughout his career he has been actively involved in special research projects addressing various human factors issues in the railroad industry including PTC implementation, Trip Optimizer, locomotive cab design, works schedules and fatigue. He served as the Massachusetts State Legislative Chairman, the Legislative and Political Director, and Chief of Staff to the President of the BLE.

During his tenure with BLE, John has testified before the U.S. House and Senate more than a dozen times regarding rail worker and public safety, Amtrak funding, Positive Train Control, and other relevant issues to railroad safety. He delivered key testimony before Congressional committees that assisted in securing passage of major pieces of legislation, including the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 2007 and the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Through his assistance to State Legislative Board Chairmen, John has helped introduce legislation across the country at the state and local level. 

MICHAEL CARROLL

HR & INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT

READ BIO

X

Michael Carroll

Human Resources & Internal Communications Consultant

For over two decades Michael worked on Wall Street and in the publishing industry, holding executive positions at Shearson Lehman/AMEX, Paine Webber, Simon & Schuster, and the Walt Disney Company. He is the Chief Operating Officer of the Global Coaching Alliance, providing executive coaching to leading executives across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He is the author of Awake at Work, The Mindful Leader, Fearless at Work and Mindful Leadership Training and consults with corporations on bringing mindfulness into the workplace. Michael has taught mindfulness-awareness meditation at numerous Fortune 500 companies as well as Harvard Business School, Wharton Business School, Swarthmore College, American University, Toronto University, University of Sydney, Fundação Dom Cabral, 1440 Multiversity, Zen Mountain Monastery, Omega Institute, Kripalu and many other institutions worldwide.

ANN BERGER, MD, MSN.

EXECUTIVE HEALTHCARE & SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR

READ BIO

X

Ann Berger, MD, MSN

Executive Healthcare & Scientific Advisor

Dr. Ann Berger is a renowned scientific advisor specializing in human well-being, wellness, pain management, and palliative care. She holds nursing and medical degrees from New York University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Medical College of Ohio. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Berger has significantly impacted patient care, education, and research.

Internationally recognized, Dr. Berger has published extensively, served on editorial boards, and edited over 20 textbooks on palliative care and psychosocial healing. She developed the NIH HEALS tool for measuring psychosocial spiritual healing and has researched the benefits of nature and mindfulness for enhancing well-being.

Dr. Berger served as Chief of Pain and Palliative Care and wellness advisor at the NIH Clinical Center for 24 years. Her numerous awards include the NIH Director’s Award in 2021 and 2022 and the University of Toledo Medical School Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2019.

In her personal life, Dr. Berger enjoys time with her husband, grown children, mini Aussiedoodle, and friends, and loves to travel. Her dedication to improving human well-being continues to inspire and make a global impact.

STEPHANIE LOTT, MA

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

READ BIO

X

Stephanie Lott, MA

Research Associate

Stephanie Lott brings a unique blend of cultural anthropology and education expertise to her role at TrueSafety Evaluation. She holds an MA in Anthropology from Colorado State University and an MA in Literacy Education. Her career has been marked by impactful contributions to research and program evaluation at highly regarded institutions, including the University of Minnesota Extension and Arizona State University, as well as through her work with various consulting firms. Stephanie’s program evaluation experience is diverse, encompassing the assessment of rural communities’ readiness for sustainable development, the evaluation of the factors that determine the success of instructional coaching programs in international schools, and an evaluation of the long-term impacts of leadership initiatives.

As a consultant, Stephanie has significantly broadened her impact skills by designing K-12 social-emotional learning curricula, creating content for various web projects, and honing her expertise in participatory evaluation methods like Ripple Effects Mapping (REM). Her work has left a lasting impact on community-based programs and initiatives, including youth development projects and the enhancement of infrastructure in communities served by non-governmental organizations. She also leverages her robust qualitative and quantitative skills to help drive positive organizational change. This includes analyzing climate surveys and focus group data to produce valuable insightful reports on workplace dynamics and developing leadership coaching programs to address abrasive behaviors. Her passion lies in amplifying the voices and experiences of participants, and in driving meaningful change across systems, organizations, and communities.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Stephanie is passionate about traveling, hiking, and practicing yoga and meditation. She also dedicates her time to volunteering as an adult English teacher and serves on the board of the Newwave Foundation, where she helps promote financial literacy and entrepreneurship in diverse communities.

MICHAEL COPLEN

PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER

READ BIO

JACKIE QUAN

SENIOR MINDFULNESS CONSULTANT

READ BIO

MICHAEL HARNAR, PH.D

RESEARCH AND EVALUATION METHODS SPECIALIST

READ BIO

JUNA SNOW, PH.D

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST

READ BIO

JONATHAN MORELL, PH.D

SYSTEMS RESEARCH & EVALUATION SPECIALIST

READ BIO

JOHN TOLMAN, MBA

RAILROAD OPERATIONS AND LABOR SPECIALIST

READ BIO

MEREDITH JONES

TECHNICAL EDITOR & EXECUTIVE SUPPORT

READ BIO

Why Work With Us

Our team of experts collectively boasts decades of expertise in leading translational research projects that have made significant impacts at a large scale.

We are adept at designing, executing, and critically evaluating both expansive and targeted pilot projects.

Our extensive collaborative network spans across government agencies, leading academic institutions, and key industry stakeholders, including labor and management.

This diverse connectivity enriches our approach and amplifies our ability to innovate and drive meaningful change.

“When you understand your cause, what is right and you begin, the necessary people and resources tend to turn up.” – Gandhi

Get in Touch!

For inquiries and more information, please use the contact form below or reach out to us directly at mcoplen@truesafetyeval.com.