Theresa LeGros, MA

Senior Evaluator & Co-Investigator
TL Cover photo
(520) 626-8766
drejza@arizona.edu

Documents

Theresa LeGros CV

I provide strategic leadership and methodological oversight for large-scale, externally funded public health evaluations across diverse topical areas, including healthy eating and active living, implementation science, and community wellness initiatives. 

My Expertise:  

  • Systems Methodology. I specialize in mixed-methods evaluation and systems thinking, focusing on how complex programs contribute to change within ecological frameworks. 

  • Data Translation & Design. I build bridges between complex conditions, datasets, and interest holders, translating technical qualitative and quantitative data into high-utility visuals and narratives that support decision-making. 

  • Scientific Background. My technical expertise is grounded in biological anthropology and public health, allowing me to blend biological sciences with participatory, use-focused evaluation frameworks. 

My Approach:  

I practice utilization-focused evaluation, moving beyond simple causation to understand the nuanced ways programs contribute to community health. My goal is to foster the practical usability of findings, ensuring that data serves as a strategic asset for the communities and programs we serve. 

Outside of work… 

I love to write, box, hang out with non-humans, and do anything that makes me feel alive. 

TL

 

Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications and Abstracts

  1. LeGros T, Morell J. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology's Unique Contribution to Evaluation. Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation, 2025; 21(49) Morell-et-al_2025
  2. LeGros T, Jacobs L, Goodman G, Orzech K, Holmes E. A Systems Approach Helps Explain Significant Improvements in Local Wellness Policies among SNAP-Ed-Supported School Districts. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2020; 52(8): 766-774.
  3. Jacobs L, Orzech K, Goodman G, LeGros T, Martinez SH. Evaluating Factors for Success in Community Coalitions. Journal of Extension, 2020;58(1).
  4. LeGros T, Jones B, Jacobs L, Orzech K, Torbert K, Martinez SH. A Case Study of a New State Model for Assessing Local Wellness Policies. Journal of School Health, 2019 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12728.
  5. LeGros, T, Hartz, V, Jacobs, L. (2016) Reliability of a Kid's Activity and Nutrition Questionnaire for School-Based SNAP-Ed Interventions as Part of a Tiered Development Process. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2016.10.003.
  6. LeGros, T, Amerongen, H, Cooley, J, and Schloss E. (2015) Using Learning Theory, Interprofessional Facilitation Competencies and Behavioral Indicators to Evaluate Facilitator Training. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 29(6): 596-602. doi: 10.3109/13561820.2015.1040874
  7. Amerongen, H, Legros, T, Cooley, J, Schloss, E, and Theodorou, A. (2015) Constructive Contact: Design of a Successful Introductory Interprofessional Education Experience. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 7, 565-574. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2015.06.013
  8. LeGros T, Jacobs L, Goodman G, Orzech K. Changes in school health policy, systems, and environments among SNAP-Ed supported schools with and without Healthy Schools Program participation. Oral presentation at: APHA 2020 Annual Meeting & Expo; October 24-28; Virtual Conference.
  9. LeGros T (co-presenter). Connecting Agriculture and Population Health—Demonstrating Success, Building Support and Helping to Reduce Our Country’s Health Disparities through the Farm Bill and SNAP-Ed. Oral presentation at: Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators (ASNNA) Annual Conference; February 3-6, 2020; Arlington, VA.
  10. LeGros T, Jacobs L, Orzech K, Guterman C. Measuring SNAP-Ed Settings-Level Indicators Across Time Using Validated Tools. Poster presented at: Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators (ASNNA) Annual Conference; February 3-6, 2020; Arlington, VA.
  11. LeGros T, Jacobs L, Orzech K, Goodman G, Holmes E. A Statewide Local Wellness Policy Assessment Finds Marked Improvements among SNAP-Ed-Supported School Districts. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2019; 51: 7S.
  12. Bautista T, LeGros T, Farrell VA, McCullough L, Misner S. The Smarter Lunchrooms Movement Increased Salad Bar Usage in Middle Schools. Poster presented at: 10th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference; July 15 - 18, 2019; Anaheim, California.
  13. Goodman G, LeGros T, Jacobs L, Orzech K. Youth Physical Activity Outcomes Improve after School-based SNAP-Ed Interventions. Poster presented at: 10th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference; July 15 - 18, 2019; Anaheim, California.
  14. LeGros T, Jacobs L, Jones B, Orzech K, Lang R. Implementation of school health initiatives is linked to Healthy Schools Program participation and higher employment counties in Arizona. Poster presented at: APHA 2018 Annual Meeting & Expo; November 10 -14; San Diego, CA.
  15. Jacobs L, Orzech K, Martinez S, LeGros T. Communication Strategies for Complex Public Health Programs to Enhance Use of Findings and Sustainability: A SNAP-Ed Case Study. Poster presented at: APHA 2017 Annual Meeting & Expo; November 4-8, 2017; Atlanta, GA.
  16. McCullough L, Farrell VA, LeGros T, Orzech K, Armstrong Florian T, Whitmer E, Dixon D, Colville C, Misner S. The Usefulness of the Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT) in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) in Arizona. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2017; 49(7): S130-S131.
  17. McCullough, L, Farrell, VA, Hartz, V, LeGros, T, Armstrong-Florian, T, Martinez, C, Whitmer, E, Jacobs, L, Misner, S. Positive Results of Single Lessons With Adult Learners after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed). Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, Poster, July 30 - August 2, 2016.
  18. LeGros T. Scaling Up Evaluation of Local School Wellness Policies to Encourage Use of Findings. Roundtable presented at:  9th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference; May 30 – June 1, 2017; San Diego, CA.
  19. LeGros T, Jacobs L, Orzech K, Veilleux N. A Statewide Assessment of Obesity Prevention Needs and Readiness among Early Childhood Education Sites. Poster presented at:  9th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference; May 30 – June 1, 2017; San Diego, CA.
  20. Jacobs, L,LeGros, T, McCullough, L, Farrell VA, Misner S. Developing an Integrated Program Design for SNAP-Ed Programming & Evaluation. 8th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference, COLLECTIVE IMPACT: Developing a Shared Vision to Achieve Greater Success, Poster, June 30, 2015.
  21. LeGros, T, Farrell, VA, Hartz,V, Jacobs, L, Armstrong Florian,T, Misner, S. Nutrition and Physical Activity Education among SNAP-Ed Eligible Middle School Students Reveals Disconnect between Knowledge and Behavior. Experimental Biology 2015 Conference, Oral Presentation, March 30, 2015.