ABOUT US

The Canopy Lab was founded in 2017 by Eric Derks, a systems thinker who recognized the need for organizations to marry a stronger systems lens with a practical bent to their work. In 2019, inspired by Eric’s vision and approach, Tim Sparkman and Holly Lard Krueger joined the company as Managing Partners to respectively lead Canopy’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Inclusion+ Practices. Since then, the Canopy Lab has grown to work with numerous clients around the world. 

Adewale Falade_sq

Adewale Falade

Senior Consultant

Holly Lard Krueger

Holly Lard Krueger

Managing Partner,
Inclusion+ Practice Lead

Andrew-Panton

Andrew Panton

Senior Consultant

Jessica Rust-Smith_sq

Jessica Rust-Smith

Senior Consultant

Maha

Maha Elhayek

Senior Consultant

Tim Sparkman_new_sq

Tim Sparkman

Managing Partner,
MEL Practice Lead

Katie

Katie Cooper

Senior Consultant

In addition to our two Managing Partners and Consultants, the Canopy Lab also collaborates with a network of 20+ affiliate consultants, who bring expertise in economic and private sector development, systems thinking, inclusion, environment and climate, impact investing, and MEL.

Adewale Falade


Senior Consultant

I am a researcher and MEL Expert with demonstrated experience in designing MEL systems and synthesizing evidence for influencing decision makers. What has been enjoyable and exciting for me is that I have also been at the frontlines applying qualitative and quantitative statistical tools to generate evidence for market systems change. I also provide professional support in designing CLA strategies and KM systems so that programs can clearly define their pathway(s) for adaptive management.

Holly Lard Krueger

Managing Partner,
Inclusion + Practice Lead

I like to solve problems and have been attracted to systems thinking because it requires us to think deeply about complex challenges. I love coaching organizations through the change process needed to think more intensely and systemically. My experience spans 15 years and as many African and Asian countries. It includes leading large market systems programs, advising on agricultural systems, value for money, inclusive finance, public-private partnerships, and gender mainstreaming.

Andrew Panton

Senior Consultant

I am committed to improving human livelihoods and resilience in balance with nature. At the Canopy Lab, I provide research and advisory support to projects working on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and resilience, nature-based solutions, sustainable tourism, and market systems development. Outside work, I’m a keen guitarist, cyclist and bookworm, with a love for food, travelling and learning languages.

JESSICA RUST-SMITH

Senior Consultant

I work across markets, business and supply chains, impact investing, agriculture, and women’s economic empowerment. I am an experienced monitoring, evaluation, research and learning consultant and project manager with expertise in the use of mixed methods, theory-based approaches and data collection and analysis. I have been working in M&E for market systems development for 10 years now, and going strong.

Maha Elhayek

Senior Consultant

I specialize in market systems development in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Over the past decade, I have advised programs across the MENA region, Africa, and Eastern Europe. My work spans agricultural and industrial sectors, focusing on market systems assessments, program design, and strategies that expand opportunities for marginalized groups and support gender mainstreaming. I enjoy applying systems thinking to uncover structural barriers, co-create locally grounded solutions, and advise on private sector partnerships. I am currently passionate about applying MSD approaches to address climate change challenges.

Tim Sparkman

Managing Partner,
MEL Practice Lead

I spend a lot of time thinking about the way information moves within socioeconomic systems and how individuals and groups coalesce to solve problems (or don’t). I have about 15 years of experience designing, managing, and evaluating economic and workforce development programs. I combine management experience, including leading long-term change initiatives, with an avid research interest, and have published on topics ranging from organizational development to network structures and system health metrics.

Katie Cooper

Senior Consultant

I specialize in private sector and market systems development with a particular focus on Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) within market systems. I am experienced in working with teams to support problem solving and the development of practical strategies to deliver change. Over the last 15 years, I have advised and managed the design, implementation and evaluation of large private sector programs, primarily across Sub-Saharan Africa. It is my mission to ensure that programs integrate GESI fully and to ensure women are able to participate and secure growth opportunities. I also bring extensive experience as a researcher, having contributed to research on market systems analysis, and written papers on market linkages and Aid for Trade.