Melinda Lis

Melinda began her career with Spaulding in July 2013 as the Vice President of The Academy for Family Support and Preservation, as well as the Director of the National Resource Center for Adoption (NRCA). Following the conclusion of the NRCA grant, she transitioned into the role of Project Director for the National Quality Improvement Center for Adoption/Guardianship Support and Preservation, also housed at Spaulding.

Melinda brings 30 years of child welfare experience, with extensive expertise in project development and management at both statewide and national levels. She has a strong background in creating curricula and training programs for foster and adoptive parents and child welfare professionals. A significant portion of her career was dedicated to the Illinois child welfare system, where she co-founded and managed a nonprofit organization that supported the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in implementing and overseeing several major statewide reforms.

After her tenure in Illinois, Melinda provided consulting services to organizations in New York, Washington, D.C., and Florida, and contributed to a national evaluation of court improvement initiatives.

She holds a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. In recognition of her leadership and contributions to the field, Melinda received the 2020 National Adoption Excellence Award from the Children’s Bureau.