Anna Laven, <b>Ed.D.</b>
Senior Advisor
Dr. Anna Laven is a Senior Advisor at National Healthcare and Housing Advisors, specializing in the integration of healthcare and housing systems to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations in California. With extensive experience in program management, strategic planning, and policy development, Dr. Laven is recognized for her expertise in California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM), homelessness, street medicine, and nonprofit sustainability. She has supported managed care plans, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies in developing person-centered solutions that drive system change. She has provided strategic guidance for the launch and implementation of Enhanced Care Management and Community Support services, leading initiatives to enhance service delivery and program effectiveness in alignment with CalAIM goals.
Dr. Laven’s leadership experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative, where she spearheaded efforts to achieve national recognition for addressing chronic homelessness. Under her leadership, the organization became the first California community to reach functional zero for chronic homelessness, securing millions in federal and state funding for homelessness and housing initiatives.
As an expert in data-informed decision-making, Dr. Laven has analyzed hundreds of projects, created investment strategy frameworks, and developed key performance metrics to improve service delivery. She has led over 40 training sessions on CalAIM and homelessness and has facilitated cross-sector collaborations to address healthcare and homelessness.
Some of Dr. Laven’s key accomplishments include leading California's first Continuum of Care (CoC) to achieve Functional Zero for chronic homelessness and managed $10 million in grant funds for homelessness initiatives, including CalAIM. She has supported over 40 training sessions on CalAIM and related healthcare programs, demonstrating extensive expertise in data analysis, program evaluation, and strategic planning. Additionally, Dr. Laven has published and presented on homelessness and system transformation at local, state, and national levels.
Dr. Laven holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from UCLA, a B.A. in Women’s Studies from Scripps College, and a deep commitment to social justice. She actively serves on the Dignity Health Community Benefit Committee and volunteers in her local community. Her proven success in navigating complex systems and advancing public health and housing initiatives makes her a valuable asset for any organization involved in California’s healthcare and homelessness transformation.
