Biography

M. Alexis Kennedy brings a forensic psychology perspective to studying victimization and children’s issues. Her areas of research include trauma, child abuse, sexual assault, exploitation through prostitution and domestic violence. She has published in numerous journals such as the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma and the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.

Alexis Kennedy won two American Psychological Association Awards (Divisions 37 and 41) and a Canadian Psychological Association Laureate for her doctoral dissertation on cross-cultural perceptions of child abuse. She has testified in court, spoken nationally and internationally, and is frequently quoted in the media on issues of exploitation and abuse.

Kennedy received a $623,600 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice in 2015 to study human trafficking and resiliency in young survivors. A fellow of the Center for Crime and Justice Policy, she completed a federally funded evaluation of a re-entry program for offenders.

Kennedy has facilitated and conducted research for a number of Clark County task forces including initiatives on human trafficking, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and sex offender management. She conducts research for specialty courts, child protective services and non-profit service agencies in Las Vegas.

Dr. Kennedy also serves as an active mentor and board member for national and local non-profits. She is a frequent trainer on child abuse human trafficking, compassion fatigue, speaking to criminal justice, mental health, medical, and community-based organizations.