[1][2][3] She earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and another master's degree in political science from Columbia University in New York, as well as a certificate in Russian studies from the Harriman Institute at Columbia.

She had assignments in Belgrade (1995–1997), Skopje (1998–1999), Sarajevo (1997–1998 and 2003–2006), Pristina (2006–2009), and Kabul (2012–2013), as well as the United States National Security Council and the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (2009–2011).

[4] In Skopje, from 1998 to 1999, Kaidanow served as a special assistant to United States Ambassador to Macedonia Christopher R. Hill.

[4] In February 2016, Kaidanow moved to the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary.

[10] On September 25, 2018,[11] Kaidanow was appointed a senior advisor for international cooperation in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.