Caché Owens
Director of Community Engaged Research
Research Interests
Caché is a participatory action researcher and geographer who works in deep
partnership with communities to conduct place-based research. Key areas of
interest include:
- Size Inclusivity and Health at Every Size Frameworks
- Intersection of Storytelling and Community Health Outcomes
- Disability Justice
Caché Owens is the Director of Community Engaged Research at the MaineHealth Institute for Research, where they lead efforts to strengthen community-engaged research across the system. Their work centers on participatory research models, community engagement, and external partnerships. Caché brings over a decade of experience working in community-based research partnerships across the South, Midwest, and Northeast.
Originally from Wisconsin, Caché earned bachelor’s degrees in public administration and environmental science from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, a master’s degree in community development, and a Ph.D. in urban and regional analysis from the University of North Carolina–Charlotte. Prior to joining MaineHealth, they held leadership roles at the University of New Hampshire and North Carolina’s Parent Training and Information Center, with additional experience at the Charlotte Action Research Project. Caché’s personal research interests include autism in young adults and teens, maternal health, and Health At Every Size frameworks. Outside of work, Caché is a mixed-media artist based in Kittery, where they live with their wife, teenage son, and two rescue dogs.