Biography

Laura Alison "Ali" Caliendo is a professor of public policy and leadership at UNLV, where she teaches doctorate- and master-level public administration courses. Her research focuses on foster and kinship care, child welfare systems, implementation of public policy, nonprofit leadership, and the intersection of research, practice, and government decision-making. Her work examines how public systems can better support children living with grandparents, relatives, and other trusted adults, particularly those who remain outside the formal foster care system.

Before joining UNLV full-time, Caliendo founded and led Foster Kinship, a nonprofit that serves kinship caregivers raising children when parents cannot by connecting them with emergency home supplies, educational programming, case management, and other resources. Under her leadership, the organization grew from a grassroots effort into one of the nation's leading kinship care organizations — helping thousands of families each year while informing state and federal policy. She is also the founder of Kinship Policy Lab, a national consulting and research organization dedicated to improving public policy for children and families.

A sought-after speaker, Caliendo regularly advises government agencies, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and national advocacy groups on child welfare policy, systems change, implementation, and evidence-based decision making. She is known for translating complex policy issues into practical solutions that improve outcomes for children and families.

Caliendo is also an active community volunteer. Her service includes serving on the Clark County Department of Family Services' Citizens Advisory Committee and the steering committee for the CARE Network at the National Alliance for Caregiving.