Lori Vanderwill

Lori’s role focuses on the development and implementation of the quality assurance process for
the planning, development, delivery, and documentation of training, coaching and other
support to DCYF workforce and caregivers.

Before joining the Alliance, Lori worked as a research scientist with the University of Washington
School of Social Work and Partners for Our Children. In her previous role, Lori was a project
manager, pilot site lead, and evaluator for the assessment of three national curriculum developed
for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers and the child welfare workforce. In addition, her team
evaluated Washington’s Kinship Navigator program.

Lori has been conducting research on curriculum development since 2013. Starting with trauma-informed teaching in alternative schools. Lori has a PhD from Wayne State University and master’s in social work from the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan Lori was a
Detroit Clinical Scholar and worked as a school-based therapist in Detroit Public Schools.

Lori is motivated and inspired by earlier work with children, youth, and families in Detroit as well
as family experience with child welfare. Outside of work, Lori is focused on family time with her
partner and three children and often enjoys hiking, biking, and reading in the garden.