About Us
Action Research is a behavior change marketing firm headquartered in Oceanside, California. We apply behavioral and social science research to the development and evaluation of outreach programs promoting safe, healthy, and sustainable communities. Since our founding in 2001, we have gained international attention as a leader in developing effective behavior change programs using community-based social marketing (CBSM).
Meet The Team
Jennifer Tabanico
President
Jennifer has over 20 years of experience creating behavior change programs for government, non-profit, and private-sector clients. As President, she is sought after internationally for behavior change consulting, spearheads professional and business development, teaches university classes, and runs community-based social marketing workshops. Jennifer has a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology and her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Environmental Psychology, Social Influence, Energy, and Social Marketing Quarterly. She has also contributed book chapters in the Handbook on Household Hazardous Waste, the Handbook on Persuasion and Social Marketing, and Producer Responsibility in Practice, and is currently co-authoring the 4th edition of Fostering Sustainable Behavior: An Introduction to Community-Based Social Marketing with Dr. Doug McKenzie-Mohr.
When she’s not writing a book chapter or overseeing a behavior change program, Jennifer enjoys providing on-scene support for survivors of traumatic events, making gifts from things she grows (red wine, potpourri, and jelly), and gardening.
Dani Ballard
Research Manager
Dani has more than 20 of experience in social science and public opinion research. As Research Manager, she designs surveys, leads large research teams, and recruits focus group participants for behavior change projects addressing a wide range of environmental behaviors from litter to human-wildlife interactions. Dani has an associate’s degree in Computer Science from Parks College and is an expert at implementing surveys, creating tracking systems, and database management.
When she’s not managing the logistics of a complex research project, Dani loves spending time with family, going to the beach, and practicing Tai Chi.
Jessica Blasjo
Project Manager
Jessica has over 5 years of experience in environmental education and project management. As Project Manager, she writes implementation plans for outreach, nurtures municipality relationships, and manages behavior change projects on electric vehicles, stormwater, and recycling. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in Sustainability from San Diego State University and is an expert at direct outreach campaigns to inspire positive behavior change.
When she’s not educating our communities, Jessica enjoys going to the beach, playing arcade games, and dominating at her local trivia night.
Michael Walsh
Creative Associate
Michael has over 5 years of experience in social media and content writing. As Creative Associate, he crafts client social media calendars, writes blog posts, runs digital ads, and helps create print materials for behavior change programs. Michael has a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and is an expert at making complex concepts understandable for the public, as well as building communities on social media.
When he’s not captivating our clients’ audiences on social media, Michael enjoys playing beach volleyball, going to too many concerts, and watching the New York Jets disappoint him.
Joey Schmitt
Director
Joey has over 10 years of experience directing projects for government, non-profit, and private-sector clients. As Director, he leads projects addressing an array of environmental behaviors from stormwater to transportation, along with facilitating business and staff professional development. Joey has a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology and is an expert at designing and evaluating evidence-based behavior change programs incorporating social and behavioral science insights. He has conducted extensive field research in environmental attitudes and conservation behavior change, and you can find his most recent publications in The Handbook of Persuasion and Social Marketing and the peer-reviewed journal Energy.
When he’s not leading projects, Joey enjoys board games, yoga, gardening, tinkering with his stock portfolio, and spending time with his dog, Ash.
Andy McGuire
Project Director
Andy has over 10 years of experience managing academic, private, and public-sector projects. As Project Director, he leads behavior change projects on stormwater, watershed protection, and water conservation. Andy has a PhD in Biological Sciences and is an expert in water quality and invasive species management. He has conducted field research in ecosystem restoration, environmental conflict, and behavior change. Andy’s work is published in peer-reviewed journals, including Ecology & Society and the Journal of Great Lakes Research.
When he’s not leading projects that impact water, Andy enjoys camping with his family, collecting vinyl records, trail running, and all things NBA.
Kim Nguyen
Project Associate
Kim has over 5 years of experience in research support and creative production. As Project Associate, she facilitates the traffic and production process of creative materials, conducts research interviews, and maintains vendor relationships. Kim has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from San Diego State University and is an expert at quality control.
When she’s not keeping projects on track, Kim enjoys drinking all kinds of tea, reading, and talking about Taylor Swift.
Randy Caymo
Creative Associate
Randy has over 15 years of experience in graphic design and production. As Creative Associate, he designs print materials, translates client brochures into numerous languages, records voice over videos, and leads print projects. Randy has an associate’s degree in Multimedia Design and is an expert at transforming underwhelming designs into vibrant materials.
When he’s not designing, Randy enjoys exploring with his dog Kris, using his Onewheel skateboard, and working on his karaoke YouTube channel.
Melanie Stubblefield
Office Manager
Melanie has over 35 years of experience in office management and compliance. As Office Manager, she manages internal human resources, insurance, and bookkeeping. Melanie is an expert in employee benefits and ensuring Action Research stays in compliance with ever-changing business regulations.
When she’s not keeping Action Research running, Melanie enjoys spending time with her dogs and cats, and gardening.
Chelsea Nelson
Project Manager
Chelsea has over 5 years of experience in project management and environmental research. As Project Manager, she leads projects on stormwater, composting, water conservation, and green infrastructure. Chelsea has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Ocean Studies and Psychology from the University of San Diego and is an expert at researching community issues to help solve them.
When she’s not managing projects, Chelsea enjoys surfing, skiing, playing beach volleyball, and spending time with her dog, Bandit.
Robin Cannedy
Project Assistant
Robin has over 5 years of experience in content writing. As Project Associate, she creates monthly stormwater pollution prevention bulletins and assists with literature reviews. Robin has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and French from Illinois State University and is an expert at educating the public on how to help our waterways thrive.
When she’s not writing thoughtful content, Robin enjoys swimming, volunteering at community clean up events, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers.