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RIVA Research Services
RIVA Market Research was founded in 1981 by Naomi Henderson and for over 30 Years RIVA has been providing insightful and valuable qualitative research for its clients. RIVA has been a premier source for insightful and valuable qualitative research for an array of industries over the years.
As well as moderating for corporate clients, RIVA has been able to provide assistance to clients that need additional qualitative moderator's for their projects. The RIVA team of qualitative moderators includes people of Caucasian, African-American, Latino, and Asian descent.
Over the years, RIVA Market Research has assembled a staff of nationally recognized qualitative moderators, researchers, and analysts who work as a team to meet with clients to define the research project and establish objectives. We recommend suitable approaches and conduct relevant qualitative research activities, analyze results, and present comprehensive findings to clients.
RIVA Market Research provides each client with a full-time staff, including a Research Director and a Research Analyst who together manage all of the logistics to setting up and managing the facilities to providing in-depth analysis through careful review of findings.
Our mission is to conduct insightful qualitative research and translate findings into useful information that clients can trust to help them make sound, strategic decisions. To ensure that our work represents your target market accurately, RIVA Market Research adheres to rigorous qualitative research principals. Members of the RIVA team work closely with clients to focus only on outcome-oriented questions that impact the study to help uncover beliefs and perceptions that genuinely reflect respondents' opinions and to provide a safe environment to allow the respondents to express themselves candidly. This commitment allows RIVA to scrutinize preconceived notions, and investigate preliminary conclusions to reveal underlying market attitudes and likely behaviors.
Contact Amber Tedesco at Amber@RIVAinc.com or 301-770-6456 x. 101.
Our Methods
Focus Groups: Eight respondents meet for a single two-hour qualitative session in a mirrored research facility. They are paid for their time and a trained moderator conducts the session.
Mini-Groups and Ad Labs: Vary in time and the number of respondents. They can be one to two hour qualitative sessions are conducted by a trained Moderator with four to eight consumers who discuss issues or review a series of advertisements to determine relevance and effectiveness.
In-Depth Interviews: One-on-one qualitative interviews are conducted by a trained moderator who collects independent reactions to products, services, ads, or concepts.
Online Research: Online qualitative research (focus groups, bulletin boards, or chat rooms) are conducted via the Internet and allow for client observation. Online research is not meant to replace face-to-face research completely, it is meant to be an alternative method to reach a target population. There are several situations when on-line research is not the best option and face-to-face should be conducted. If this type of research is being considered RIVA can help you make that determination.
Ethnographic Interviews: Ethnographic interviews allow the researcher and the client to see first hand how a consumer or employee uses products and services. The collection of qualitative data in the home, office or store settings of consumers and employees provides a deeper understanding of cultural meanings and the relationship of individuals to products and services as a result of economic status, cultural heritage, belief systems, and work environments.
Facilitations: For a variety of clients, RIVA facilitates sessions, workshops, board meetings, and events. The desired outcomes are a generation of ideas/issues from a broad forum [many participants] in which the ideas and issues are created [divergent thinking] via discussion and then, via convergent thinking they are streamlined down to a set [4-10 ideas] that warrant further exploration.
Mock Juries: Respondents listen to legal arguments and case points and then vote on these points and comment on what influenced their decision. This approach helps lawyers evaluate case strategies for their clients.
Focus Panels: The same respondents attend a series of groups over a fixed time period (e.g. one year) where products or ideas are evaluated as evolutionary changes are made. Participants are paid an initially high stipend for the first session and lower fees for subsequent groups. Incentives like coupons can also be provided.
Our 12 Step Research Process
Each Qualitative Research Event involves a twelve step process. It starts with the client request, and ends with an optional client presentation, the steps in the middle progress along an 8-10 week timeline. All QRE's can be changed depending on client needs and deadlines. Here's how a typical project unfolds:
Selected Client List
Advertising and Public Relations
• Deutsch, Inc.
• Gotham, Inc.
• MasiMax Resources, Inc.
• Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
• Porter Novelli
• Spike/DDB Needham
Associations and Non-Profits
• American Cancer Society
• Children's Defense Fund
• Food Marketing Institute
• National Affirmative Action Consortium
• National Medical Association
• National Safe Kids Campaign
Consumer Goods & Services
• Bausch & Lomb
• Coca-Cola, Inc.
• General Mills
• Kimberly-Clark Corporation
• Pepsi Co.
• Maybelline
Education
• American Council on Education
• D.C. Public Schools
• Gallaudet University
• Montgomery County Board of Education
• National Education Association
• Sylvan Educational Solutions
Financial & Real Estate Services
• Aetna, Inc.
• American Express Financial
• Legg Mason
• Centex Corporation
• NationsBank
• Salomon Smith Barney
Governmental Agencies
• Census Bureau
• U.S. Department of Education
• Internal Revenue Service
• National Crime Prevention Council
• National Institutes of Health
• U.S. Department of Labor
Health Care & Pharmaceutical Services
• Aetna
• Centers for Disease Control
• Department of Health and Human Services
• GlaxoSmithKlein
• McNeil Pharmaceutical
• Pfizer
Publishing/Media
• ABC Radio
• Black Enterprise
• Black Entertainment Television
• NBC
• Rodale Press
• USA Network
Research/Marketing Companies
• Booz Allen & Hamilton
• Equals Three Communication
• Lake Sosin Research
• Mathematic Policy Research
• Public Opinion Strategies
• Wirthlin Worldwide
Telecommunications & Technology
• AOL
• AT&T
• New York Telephone(NYNYX)
• Sprint
• Verizon
• Bell Atlantic
Transportation & Automotive
• Department of Transportation
• The Honda Corporation of America
• Maryland Department of Transportation
• National Highway Traffic Safety Commission
• New York City Port Authority
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Case Studies
Focus Groups
Nova Skin Care Systems
Research Problem: While there are hundreds of home skin care and cleansing systems on the market, most are applied to the skin directly by hand or cloth. Estheticians and other skin care professionals may use very expensive cleansing machines to achieve deeper, more effective cleansing, but these are not typically available to the consumer.
Research Wrinkle: In the retail market there are only a few cleansing appliances available for home use, but almost all of them provide cleansing by the action of spinning brush heads. Sometimes these can irritate or damage sensitive skin. Valcent, the maker of the Nova Skin Care System wanted to know if upscale consumers would be interested in a new style of hand-held cleansing appliance that cleans and moisturizes by a supersonic pulsing action rather than a circular brushing motion and if consumers perceive this as a significant advantage for the product.
Research Process: Focus groups with affluent women who purchase a variety of skin cleansing and skin care products were conducted to assess interest in the product and obtain reactions to proposed packaging.
Key Research Finding: The prototype and the packaging options garnered a highly favorable response from respondents and supported the perception the product would be likely to fill the gap between regular salon facials and current home cleansing options.
Business Decision: To expand product production and marketing plans for distribution in upscale department stores.
Mock Jury
Beech Aircraft
Research Problem: Beech Aircraft has been making small aircraft for private pilots for decades. They have a high safety record and their products are well liked. From time to time, however, they are the subject of lawsuits over issues related to assignment of responsibility when airplane design is deemed to be a factor in a crash.
Research Wrinkle: For an upcoming lawsuit case in Federal court, which strategy should Beech take as the defendant side of the case?
Research Process: A series of "mock juries" with citizens very much like the ones that will be jurors in the actual case. Mock Jury #1 hears strategy #1 and the "deliberations" are viewed by the lawyers through a one-way mirror to determine what evidentiary elements created the verdict reached. Mock Jury #2 hears strategy #2 and the process is repeated. The lawyers can then decide which approach will create a significant chance for winning the case.
Key Research Finding: One of the strategies worked better than another to reach the verdict desired by the lawyers. That is the route they chose to present in Federal court and Beech won the case, avoiding a payout of millions of dollars in settlements.
Note: The case hinged around whether the pilot ignored six warnings by Beech to retrofit specific safety materials. The actual jury indicated that it was not the responsibility of a company to call each of its 56,000 customers to see if they complied, the responsibility was to insure that the warnings had been received.
Business Decision: Based on the success of the "Mock Jury" process, Beech has determined that they are an important research tool when the outcome of a case cannot be predicted on the face of the evidence.
IDI's, Dyads, Triads, and Focus Groups
McNeil Pharmaceuticals
Research Problem: In the United States, over 70,000 people of African American and Middle East descent are living with Sickle Cell Disease, an inherited disorder of the red blood cells that makes them shaped differently and function not as well as typical red blood cells. The name comes from the characteristic shape of the dehydrated red blood cell as they collapse into crescent shapes and clog up the blood flow to different parts of the body. When these backups of cells occur, there is often intense pain and weakness in the patient called ?pain crises? and hospitalization is required along with potent pain killers. There is no known cure for the disease so far and the average life span is in the mid forties.
Research Wrinkle: Frequency of pain crises can be as seldom as once or twice a year. However, others may suffer the pain crises as often as once or twice a month. Hospitals often mislabel these patients as ?drug seekers? and may refuse to offer the proper pain medication without a lengthy delay. There is very little medication available that can improve the body?s ability to manufacture healthy red blood cells and alleviate the pain crises. McNeil wanted to know more about the daily life of sickle cell sufferers and obtain feedback to a new medication being developed.
Research Process: Qualitative research in the form of individual (IDI), dyad and triad interviews, along with focus groups were conducted with individuals with sickle cell disease to create a better understanding of issues in daily life and obtain reaction to the product concept.
Key Research Finding: McNeil Pharmaceuticals developed a greater understanding of the effects of pain crises on the day-to-day lives of respondents and a unanimously favorable reaction to the concept of the new medication.
Business Decision: Continue with clinical trials to prepare this product for the market.
Focus Groups
Kimberly Clark Corporation
Research Problem: Kimberly Clark had created a new "disposable fabric" from the by-products of producing consumer paper products. The "fabric" was discovered by accident [much the same way Post-its were discovered by accident when the incorrect glue was used as an adhesive]. Now that KCC had this "fabric," they needed a use for it. Engineers and market researchers inside of the company could not agree on the best way to use the material, so it was decided to test it with consumers.
Research Wrinkle: Past research had indicated that the need for "disposable clothes" was currently limited to the health care industry and that there wasn't much "need" for disposable clothing items among general consumers, so the problem was finding a target market that could use the "fabric."
Research Process: Six focus groups with homeless men and women to see if they could find a use for the "fabric".
Key Research Finding: Yes, the homeless "community" could find a practical use for the "fabric" and, in fact, determined six different ways the product would be useful to them and to the organizations that serve the homeless.
Business Decision: KCC manufactured items from the "fabric" and made donations of the materials created to a number of social service agencies
- About the Book
Secrets of a Master Moderator - Third Edition
by Naomi R. HendersonWe are excited to announce the release of the third edition of Secrets of a Master Moderator. The reader will find eight new articles, a glossary of terms and an index. This book spans nearly 35 years of Naomi's experiences as a moderator and a trainer of qualitative researchers. It covers a full range of QRE's [Qualitative Research Events] from IDIs to extended groups.
There are tools, tips, and techniques for moderators who run the gamut from novice to seasoned and it grapples with knotty questions and concerns that affect those working in market research environments.
For a limited time the price of the Secrets of a Master Moderator book has been discounted.
The book is organized in three parts - each with multiple sections; the reader can read them in order or randomly, as each article stands alone.
PART I: THE WORLD OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
• Section I: Qualitative Research Factors
• Section II: The Role of a Moderator
• Section III: Demystifying Focus Groups
PART II: FOCUS GROUPS: TOOLS, TIPS, & TECHNIQUES
• Section I: Working Effectively with Respondents
• Section II: Toolbox: “Power Tools”
• Section III: Analyzing Qualitative Data & Reporting Results
• Section IV: The Client's Role
PART III: CONCLUSION: MODERATOR MUSINGS
• New is Not Always Better
• Maxims for Moderators
• Never Too Late to Learn A Good Lesson
The book is not intended to be a training manual. Rather it is a compilation of insights, wisdom, and lessons hard learned over more than three decades. Naomi does not profess to have “the answer” or “the way” when it comes to planning, conducting, or evaluating qualitative research. What she does have are her experiences and she has written about what she found to be of value, based on work in the industry since 1978. By writing this book, Naomi is happy to pass that value on.
If you would like to send comments and/or questions to the author Naomi Henderson you can email her at RIVAmastermod@aol.com
Paperback Price - US & International
$34.95 USD$, plus $7.00 shipping fee per book for US residence and international shipping fees apply for non US residence.
Please note that we cannot, under any circumstances, offer any refunds or replacements for international orders that are lost, damaged, unclaimed, or undeliverable. International customers will be responsible for paying any customs fees or duties.
- Mission Statements
- Events
- Naomi R. Henderson
- Jo Ann Hairston
- Amber Tedesco
- Linda Mui
- Romaine Bailey
- Bonnie Heiserman
- Brittany Anger
- Privacy Policy
- Traveling to RIVA
Mission Statements
RIVA TRAINING INSTITUTE
Through courses, workshops and seminars based on proven QLMR methodologies RIVA will strengthen and support the personal, intrinsic and professional skills of those engaged in market and social research. We are committed to raising and maintaining high professional standards in the qualitative research industry.
Training qualitative researchers since 1982.
RIVA MARKET RESEARCH
RIVA conducts insightful qualitative market research to discover and understand perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes from target markets. RIVA translates findings into information that clients can trust and use to make sound decisions.
Qualitative methodology specialists since 1981
Events
2019 - Facebook Live Events
As part of RIVA’s commitment to helping the qualitative market research field continue to grow, we are offering a new Facebook Live series called #AskaRIVATrainer. In this series, we are bringing the expertise of our phenomenal trainers straight to your phone or computer screen! If you’ve ever had a burning question about qualitative market research, now’s your opportunity to ask!
Each Facebook Live event will be hosted on our Facebook page and a call for questions will go up on our social media platforms two weeks prior to the event. [Don’t forget to like/follow the page while you’re there to stay up-to-date!] The live event will take place at 1pm ET on the dates listed below.
- March 1, 2019 with Pam Goldfarb Liss - Moderating Kids & Teens
- June 7, 2019 with Naomi Henderson - The Importance of an Emotional Handshake
- September 6, 2019 with Amber Tedesco - Project Mangement
QRCA Events
QRCA Meeting – New York Metro Chapter
Friday, October 11th, the New York Metro Chapter will be presenting a virtual, online moderating course. They describe it as “a solid overview of moderating including tips and tricks using real life examples. Learn from the best QRCs in the business [including DC’s own Naomi Henderson!] in this intense speed session covering study design to reporting. Each session is 20 minutes with 10 mins for Q&A.” Check out the QRCA page for more information and to register: QRCA page
QRCA Meeting – DC Chapter
Friday, November 1st will be 2019’s last DC Chapter meeting! Held at RIVA in Rockville, MD, this meeting will be a workshop format where participants discuss how they would tackle some common (and not-so-common) qual research problems. More details are below, so don’t forget to register on the QRCA site QRCA page
And if you have any problems or qual quandaries you’d like to discuss, bring them to the meeting or email them to us beforehand!
QRCA Meeting – DC Chapter
Monday, November 18, the Quirks Marketing Research & Insight Excellence awards will be held in New York City. Naomi Henderson is nominated for Research of the Year, and this black-tie affair will be held at the Edison Ballroom near Times Square. More info and tickets are available on the Quirks site: Quriks page
QRCA Conversations with Changemakers
CONVERSATIONS WITH CHANGEMAKERS launch of a new program that you and your membership might find interesting. You might be enjoying a bit free time this Friday, April 19th at lunch so tune in.
It’s a new video cast series called: CONVERSATIONS WITH CHANGEMAKERS!
Virtual and in-person one-on-one rare, curated interview sessions with experts and thought leaders in the advertising, marketing and research space on emerging trends, newsworthy stories and research industry happenings to help members stay in-the-know.
The first session kicks off on Friday, April 19th 1:00-2:00pm ET featuring Naomi Henderson, visionary, author, expert moderator, DC Chapter QRCA Chair, business owner and CHANGEMAKER.
The title of this first Change Maker conversation is: “Tribes, Truth and Technology”. Naomi will be sharing her POV - interview style - on the rise of “tribalism”, "fake news and the reinterpretation of truth", the role of social media and what it all means for qualitative research and QRCA members. Naomi will be interviewed live by Roben Allong, QRCA board secretary, and Co-Chair of the NY Metro Chapter.
Takeaways include:
1. Naomi's take on why tribe matter and her experiences with tribalism in America
2. Insights on where qual research is headed and what they mean for qual practioners
3. Learning to master the art of thriving in changing, volatile research times
4. What's social media got to do with it? The dangers and pitfalls of tech, according to Naomi
5. Reflect with her on overcoming some of her biggest life and qual challenges and how you can win too! What does success look like for you in 2019
This is a FREE *MEMBERS ONLY* EVENT. To borrow a phrase: #MEMBERSHIPMATTERS. Members from any chapter are able to attend. REGISTER DIRECTLY ON THE QRCA WEBSITE. 1 ADVANCE MEMBERSHIP POINT WILL BE AWARDED FOR ATTENDING THE SESSION.
QRCA DC Chapter Meeting - What’s New in the World of Recruiting?
QRCA DC Chapter Meeting - Lessons Learned from Leading over 20,000 Qualitative Research Events: A panel of seasoned moderators will discuss common challenges and strategies for success
Barbara Gassaway, Sandra Kluttz, and Jo Ann Hairston will discuss issues including:
• Working Effectively With Clients - Finding & Keeping Them
• Shortcuts to Guide Development
• Probing to Get Below Top-of-Mind Answers
• Secrets to Writing Effective Reports
Click here to register via QRCA website.
QRCA SIG Webinar
Naomi Henderson was to give a 75-minute webinar to the QRCA SIG members in April 2018 on Ethnography. Per the request of the participants, the session ran more than 2-hours because they were so engaged. Some quotes from the members who participated in the webinar:
• "We're still here because we love Naomi"
• "Thanks to all-this was awesome learning & INSPIRATION"
• "Thank you Naomi for your generosity and knowledge! Always a delight"
• "Thank you Naomi and Isabel for this great overview. It was very through and helpful!"
• "Thanks so much Naomi and Isabel! This was wonderful!"
QRCA Podcast
Naomi Henderson was interviewed by Patricia Sabena during a QRCA Podcast on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 10:30am EDT regarding the third edition of Secrets of a Master Moderator. Pat focused on the "themes" of the third edition. Issues that were covered are:
• Section about "Best Practices for Vested Moderators" & the reason Naomi felt it was necessary to include.
• Key pieces of advice for "vested" moderators.
• What makes a question leading and how both new and seasoned moderators can avoid this pitfall?
• Section on "Hot Notes", Naomi's discipline and techniques about Hot Notes and the reason they are so helpful in analysis.
Click here to review.
Minnesota Chapter QRCA-speaking Engagement - February 27, 2015
The QRCA DC Chapter was honored to have Naomi Henderson, the research industry guru, speak at their upcoming meeting. The topic of discussion is "How QRCs and Clients Can Get the Most Out of Working with Each Other."
For more information you can contact Elaine Gingold at Elgingold@aol.com
Washington DC QRCA-speaking Engagement - June 22, 2012
The QRCA DC Chapter was honored to have Naomi Henderson, the research industry guru, speak at their recent meeting. This was by far our most well-attended event ever! Naomi's passion is contagious, as is the confidence she imparts to use her knowledge within your own skill set or comfort zone. Members enjoyed tangible tips, practical advice, and anecdotal uses for a plethora of practice-enhancing content. Naomi's gracious demeanor and the wisdom she so selflessly shares and ignites an enthusiasm to go forth and do!
Naomi shared just a few insights, more of which are revealed in Secrets of a Master Moderator. Great book - a must-read for all moderators!
Barbara Gassaway, QRCA DC Chapter Chair
QRCA Podcast
Naomi Henderson will be interviewed by Kay Aubrey during a QRCA Podcast on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 2pm ET. Questions that will be covered are:
• What were some of the reasons that you wrote "Secrets of a Master Moderator"?
• What is mastery and how does it apply to our work as moderators?
• How can a moderator keep his/her work fresh?
• How have the students in RIVA courses changed in the last 30 years?
• How do you see traditional face to face moderating skills fitting into new research methods that are based on new technologies such as social media listening and mobile research?
• Do you see new opportunities where moderators can apply their skills?
• What is the best way for an independent moderator to differentiate him or herself?
Click here to review.
Philadelphia/Delaware Valley QRCA - Friday, September 16, 2011
In September 2011, the Philadelphia Chapter of the QRCA was delighted to feature Naomi Henderson as the guest speaker for their quarterly meeting. Naomi's presentation was inspired by her recent publication, Secrets of a Master Moderator. In addition to being the Master Moderator, Naomi is also a gifted storyteller. She used a blend of personal experiences and colorful examples to speak about what mastery is (and is not). For many attendees, the intentionally lengthy Q&A was the highlight of the presentation. Naomi addressed a range of questions on topics from projective techniques to what advice 'Master Moderator Naomi' would give to 'Just Starting Out Naomi' with a hearty dose of anecdotes from her decades of experience. As a result of her animated and engaging speaking style, the only negative feedback we received was that our time with her was too short! On our feedback form, we ask chapter members to list two things that they will remember from the meeting. In addition to concrete "tips and tricks" to incorporate into their own moderating, many noted how much fun they had at the presentation. Thank you, Naomi!
Sara Tax
Karchner Marketing Research
Secrets of a Master Moderator Book Review - Quirks Magazine
Joe Rydholm editor at Quirks Magazine writes an article about Naomi Henderson's book Secrets of a Master Moderator
Click Quirks to read full review.
Benefits of Moderator Training
RIVA Training Institute has trained a number of Fors Marsh employees over the years. An article has been written about the benefits of being a trained moderator vs a non-trained moderator in the qualitative research field. Click here to review.
Naomi R. Henderson, Founder and CEO
Naomi Henderson opened RIVA in 1981 and is its CEO, directing policy and procedures for two divisions: Research and Training. She is co-founder of the RIVA Training Institute, where she serves as a Master Trainer writing curriculum for public and custom courses and fulfilling her dream to leave the industry in better shape than when she entered, by training researchers in the art and science of rigorous qualitative research techniques. Naomi has been a researcher since 1964, and has led more than 6,000 focus groups and interviewed more than 60,000 people in groups or individually and is a nationally recognized Master Moderator. She is most responsible for the well earned phrase sought after by moderators and potential clients alike: "RIVA Trained Moderator".
Naomi holds a M. Ed. and a B.S. in Education and Psychology from American University. She is a licensed practitioner of NeuroLinguistic Programming [NLP] - a tool that accelerates the collection of behavioral data. As well, she is a certified Master Coach and has earned certificates of completion from Synectics, and the Creative Problem Solving Institute. She is a guest lecturer at George Washington University, Georgetown University and Hood College.
She is a frequent contributor to Quirk's Market Research Journal on issues related to qualitative research as well as, written for, "Reflections," for the American Marketing Association Journal of Marketing Research. She has been quoted in American Demographics, Forbes and the New York Times. Appearances on TV include CBS Evening News, PBS Health Week, and NBC Dateline.
She is a member of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) as well as the chair for the MD/DC Chapter.
Naomi enjoys reading fiction, writing poetry, creating crafts such as making jewelry & greeting cards.
Jo Ann Hairston, Master Moderator & Master Trainer
The work Jo Ann does for RIVA is diverse. She works in both the Research and the Training division, shifting hats with ease. As a researcher she is - assigned to focus group projects that range from medical issues to health and beauty aids and from politics to new products. After leading more than 3,200 groups, and earning the title Master Moderator, Jo Ann helps clients access POBAs [Perceptions, Opinions, Beliefs and Attitudes] from respondents that range from homemakers to the homeless and from ages 7 to 97.
As a Co-Founder of the RIVA Training Institute she serves as a Master Trainer and developer of the framework and curriculum for both standard courses and custom courses designed to meet the needs of clients in a variety of industries. She is a credentialed Master Coach for Qualitative Researchers, as well as, individuals transitioning from one career to another.
Amber Tedesco, Executive Director of Research and Training/COO
Amber is COO as well as the Executive Director of Training and Research. Amber is the first point of contact for research clients and companies seeking information to help craft custom courses to meet internal needs. She is responsible for the strategy, planning and management of all research projects from proposal through the final report. That means being deeply involved with clients from first request to research methodology and scheduling and logistics and steering them through the planning process so their objectives can be achieved.
In her role as the Executive Director of Training, she works with clients to create custom courses for their staff members. She also manages the multiple open courses held at RIVA headquarters in Rockville, MD. Amber is a RIVA trained Moderator, Coach and a Research Analyst, giving her the ability to participate as a researcher on projects; write reports; and shepherd projects thought the RIVA 12-Step research process.
In addition to her experience at RIVA since 1998, her completion of the following RIVA courses is the platform for the standard of excellence she offers RIVA's clients:
- Fundamentals of Moderating
- The Art & Science of Qualitative Analysis and Report Writing
- Qualitative Toolbox
- Fundamentals of IDI Moderating
- Facilitation
She is a member of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA).
Linda Mui, Senior Training & Research Coordinator
As Senior Training & Research Coordinator, Linda is responsible for the enrollment process of RIVA students for the courses/workshops offered at the Institute. Her enthusiasm, organization, and commitment to RIVA's students make the enrollment process as individually attentive as the experiential training that makes RIVA training courses unique.
By taking the fundamentals of moderating course herself she not only speaks about the course as an opportunity for those calling for information, but from insight based on her experience as a student of the RIVA Method. In addition to working as the Senior Training & Research Coordinator, Linda also oversees the recruitment of respondents for the experiential portion of the RIVA workshops where students practice on recruited respondents as part of their training.
Before joining RIVA in 2014, Linda worked in event marketing and social media marketing in New York City. Her position at RIVA allows her to pursue her interests in administration and event planning.
Romaine Bailey, Master Coach
Romaine has several hats she wears for RIVA one of which is a Master Coach for the training classes that are offered. She works closely with the students, guiding and supporting their learning.
Prior to her experience at RIVA, Romaine led seminars for hundreds of people in group settings, as well as individuals in accessing areas of possibility within themselves, she brings a deep sense of integrity to her work and supports staff and clients alike in mastering win/win principles.
Romaine enjoys traveling, attending live theater, the opera, and loves throwing and cooking for dinner parties with her friends.
Bonnie Heiserman, Bookkeeper and Human Resource Manager
Bonnie is the Bookkeeper and Human Resource Manager at RIVA. She brings over 25 years of experience working for private industry in the fields of bookkeeping, office management, and human resource development. Bonnie is responsible for the day to day financial responsibilities including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable , Payroll, and Fiscal Reporting. She also runs the Human Resources department.
Bonnie enjoys reading historical novels and cooking, especially creating her own recipes!
Brittany Anger, Associate Project Coordinator
As Associate Project Coordinator, Brittany works to ensure that each student has the best possible experience during their time at RIVA. Brittany prepares the administrative materials for all in-house training courses, custom courses, special projects, and research projects. Additionally, she manages the day-to-day logistics for each class meeting the needs of the trainer and students.
Brittany joined the RIVA team in 2017 after graduating from McDaniel College in 2015. Prior to joining the RIVA team, she worked in the marketing and customer service industry in both Maryland and Chicago.
Brittany enjoys writing, reading, travelling, and playing with her two cats (Selene and Smoke) during her time away from the office.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Notice:
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2. What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data.
3. The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information.
4. How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information.
Information Collection, Use, and Sharing:
RIVA Training Institute uses a secure third-party registration system for class purposes. We only have access to the information that you have provided for us via your registration.
At no point, nor at any time, does RIVA sell your information to a third party.
In order to register for a RIVA course, you must complete the registration form, providing us with certain information such as: name, email address, contact number, etc. At no point, nor at any time, will we share this information with anyone else. The information provided is solely used for registration purposes and to keep an historical records of all enrollments for planning purposes. The same holds true for respondents that register on our website or with our Recruiter for research. We may use the information provided to contact you regarding additional classes (per your request), programs, or changes to this privacy policy.
Your Access to and Control Over Information
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When you register for a course or register as a respondent on our website, your information is transmitted to us in a secure manner using a third-party registration system that encrypts the transmission.
While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing, course coordination, etc.) are granted access to personally identifiable information. In further attempts to ensure our students' and respondents' privacy, all staff have completed a Non-Disclosure agreement.
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Traveling to RIVA
All public courses are held at RIVA Headquarters located just outside Washington, DC in Rockville, MD. This location is accessible to all three DC area airports (Reagan National, Washington Dulles, and BWI) as well as Union Station. Additionally, RIVA is located directly adjacent to the Twinbrook Metro Station.
Street Address:
1700 Rockville Pike, Suite 260 Rockville, MD 20852, 301-770-6456
Area Hotels
Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Executive Meeting Center
1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852 Phone: 301-468-1100
The Hilton Washington DC/Rockville, welcomes you to experience first class service and amenities when visiting RIVA for training. Located in the same building as RIVA, the commute is just an elevator away. The Hilton Rockville is a full service Hotel with many new upgrades to their rooms, restaurant/lounge, fitness facility, business center, free Wi-Fi, and a Starbucks onsite. To make reservations please click here. When booking be sure to take advantage of the RIVA Corporate Discount and free parking by using account #2663840.
EVEN Hotel Rockville
1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852 Phone: 855.TRY.EVEN
Located on Rockville Pike just 1 block from RIVA Training Institute. EVEN Hotel is the newest IHG brand focused on fitness. Offering in-room fitness zones for private workouts and the largest fitness center you will find in any hotel. The restaurant has healthy food and beverage options including made to order smoothies and Grab “n: Go meals. Be sure to take advantage of the 16% RIVA Corporate Discount off the Best Flex Rate and free parking by using account # 100301075 Rate Code: RIVA TRAINING INSTIT.
Cambria Hotel & Suites
196 East Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, MD, 20850, US PH: (301) 294-2200
Enjoy a unique experience among hotels in Rockville, MD, when you book a stay at the Cambria hotel & suites Rockville. Our hotel is just two miles from RIVA headquarters and only two blocks away from the Metrorail, providing access to Washington, D.C. and beyond. Located in the heart of Rockville Town Square, Cambria offers numerous dining and entertainment options within easy walking distance. Amenities include oversized rooms that feel like an upgrade, an onsite bistro and full-service bar, and an indoor heated pool.
Bethesda North Marriott
5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, Phone: 301-822-9200
Located just one Metro Stop south of RIVA, this hotel is also very easy to commute to and from. The Marriott is a new, contemporary hotel with excellent amenities.
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