Public health is my passion.
My journey in public health began as a pre-schooler, diligently warning my peers not to stick their fingers in between the chain links on the playground swings. I emphasized that failing to heed my warning would risk injury, or worse, a (much dreaded) tetanus shot. Despite my best 4-year-old efforts, my peers ignored my injury prevention messages and continued to sustain injuries. While I was disappointed, I persevered.
Since my days as a pestering kid, I've matured into an informed public health consultant. For more than two decades’ I’ve been working to improve public health policies and programs. I want to assure that systems meet everyone’s needs, including those of vulnerable populations including children, minorities, and people with disabilities.
I received my undergraduate degree from Hampshire College and went on to obtain a masters’ degree in public health (MPH) from Yale University’s School of Public Health. After a fellowship with the Children’s Defense Fund, I started up and managed the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Maternal and Child Health Project and Multicultural Health Project before returning to graduate school to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD) from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Following receipt of my doctoral degree, I worked for 15 years as a public health research consultant for RTI International.
Now, I consult with organizations who want to learn more about programs and policies. By learning more about programs and policies, organizations can gain a deeper understanding of the complex nature of their work. This understanding can support better-informed decision making; document successes; clarify areas for improvement, and; identify opportunities to improve public health systems.
Beyond the details included in my curriculum vitae, I am:
Experienced. Through two decades’ professional experience working in not-for-profit research firms (RTI International), academia (Johns Hopkins University), professional membership organizations (National Association of County and City Health Officials), and advocacy groups (Children’s Defense Fund), I have gained valuable insights into public health systems, policies and practice.
A systems-oriented thinker. I like to untangle complex problems by determining all the components related to the problem; identifying key questions that need to be asked, and then using rigorous evidence to draw meaningful insights.
Communicative. I present information—qualitative or quantitative—in clear, straightforward language for a range of audiences. I enjoy opportunities to present information in creative ways such as by developing illustrations or developing webinars.
Collegial. I enjoy working with other people, gaining insight into what they do, and making people laugh once in a while. My ideal work environment is one with a common goal where collaboration is valued.
Curious. As much as I’ve learned from my education and professional and personal experiences, I’m always interested in learning more. I particularly appreciate opportunities to travel and learn from others in their own environment.
Generous. As much as I enjoy gaining knowledge; I enjoy sharing my knowledge. I am eager to share my experience and expertise with colleagues and others who may benefit.
Skilled. Proficient in MS Office (Mac and Win OS) and NVivo; Experienced with SPSS, ATLAS, MindManager, SharePoint and other web-based collaboration tools.
Christine Layton: Public Health Consultant
Education
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Ph.D., Department of Health Policy and Management,1999
Yale University School of Public Health
M.P.H., Health Policy and Management, 1990
Hampshire College
B.A., School of Communications and Cognitive Sciences, 1988
Subject-Area Expertise
- Public health infrastructure.
- Immunization programs, policies and infrastructure.
- Vaccine production, distribution, and management.
- Public health emergency preparedness and response.
- Emerging infectious disease preparedness and response.
- Maternal and child health policies and programs.
- Aging, eldercare and end-of-life issues.
Technical Expertise
- Program and policy research and analysis.
- Group facilitation and decision support.
- Information dissemination.
- Qualitative and mixed methods research.
- Consensus development and decision support.