Sierra McClendon

Sierra McClendon is the Clinical Program Manager for the Center for Adoption and Family Well-Being; a research center housed within the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma. She has served in various capacities across social work, with a primary focus on the foster and adoptive network and public-school systems in both Florida and Oklahoma. Sierra is committed to advancing research and evidence-informed practices that support children and youth transitioning from foster care to adoption or guardianship. Her work centers on understanding the lifelong impacts of permanency and improving outcomes across the child welfare system. She actively contributes to research initiatives that examine both the immediate and long-term experiences of adoptees to inform practice and drive systemic improvement. In her free time, Sierra enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on OU football, jet-setting to her next destination, or sampling every dessert in sight (yes, she’s a proud dessert connoisseur!).

Areas of Expertise

• Coordination of research projects, grants, and expansion efforts for the Center for Adoption and Family Well-Being.
• Program implementation evaluation of pilot clinical program within child welfare in Oklahoma Human Services.
• Collaboration with national level adoption competency agencies expanding Adoption Competent mental health providers in Oklahoma. 

Research Interests:

• Adoption/Adoptee Competent Mental Health
• Adoption Adjustment
• The Lifelong Impact of Adoption
• Cross-Systems Collaboration & Advocacy
• School Social Work