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Biography

Leslie Ponciano, Ph.D., is a developmental and educational psychologist focused on social justice related to the connection between perception and outcomes for marginalized communities, particularly children with a lived experience in foster care. Her mixed methods, community-based participatory research approach is often in partnership with Peace4Kids (peace4kids.org), a non-profit organization that provides services and advocates youth in foster care. This collaboration achieved CA Assembly Bill 12 (an extension in support for youth to age 21 years), book publications, journal articles, conference presentations and proceedings, a justice in education workshop, and the launch of the Revolution of Care Movement (ROCmove.org). Prior to joining Fielding Graduate University, Dr. Ponciano held several teaching/administrative roles in Los Angeles including Program Director for Applied Developmental Psychology (UCLA) and Early Childhood Education (Loyola Marymount University) as well as interim Department Chair of Social Work (Cal State University Dominguez Hills) and Child & Family Studies (Cal State University Los Angeles). Additionally, she was the Director of Research for the 23 campuses of the California State University system (CSU Chancellor’s Office) and for Age of Learning, Inc (ABCmouse.com). These experiences provided opportunities for Dr. Ponciano to create and teach undergraduate and graduate level courses, mentor faculty in grant proposal development and research design, engage in shared governance and academic program development, and conduct efficacy and evaluation research. Throughout her career, she has also provided a range of important services on a sliding scale to non-profit organizations via her consulting company, Hope Education Research Solutions (HopeEdResearch.com).