Board of Directors & Staff
We are governed by a board of directors, who at least half are young alumni in or from care between the ages of 18 and 24, and half are alumni from care over the age of 24. Our board makeup ensures balance of skills and experience necessary to provide effective governance for the organization
Our 2009/2010 Board of Directors…
Jessica McFarlane, President, SK
I am the Provincial Outreach Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Youth In Care and Custody Network. I’m also a student majoring in Justice Studies and a mom of 2.
Samuel Platel, Vice-President, QC
I am a former youth in care from Ottawa currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in theatre and philosophy. I live in Montreal now, and I get involved in plays and gigs. I've been involved with the Children's aid society since I was 10 years old and lived the majority of my time with them in a group home. I graduated high school in 2005 and went to university. I have been involved with the National Youth In Care Network for over two years and I stay involved because I am for changes for a better system and better care.
Marie Christian, Treasurer, MB
I am Marie Christian. This is my second term on the board of the NYICN. I look forward to hearing from you- youth in care and alumni of care: your thoughts on child welfare issues, your ideas on how to create a better system of care for our younger ‘siblings’. Don’t hesitate to use your voice! It is the most powerful tool at your disposal.
Amanda Calkins, Secretary, AB
Nicole Herbert, BC
Nicole is an Alumni of foster care who spent 13 years working for the Federation of British Columbia Youth in Care Networks, most recently as the Director of Programs. Nicole now sits on the Board of Directors for the National Youth in Care Network and recently joined the Board of Trustees for the International Foster Care Organization as Secretary. With a passion for meaningful engagement,education and advocacy, she enjoys writing, developing resources, facilitating training and event planning. No stranger to organizationaland political change, her extensive experience in community and Network development has honed her leadership skills in the area of inclusive, effective and accountable decision-making processes.
Amanda Bennett, ON
Hello! My name is Amanda. I would love to hear from you and be able to represent your voice on the board of the NYICN. I am currently a Youth Policy Advisory and Advocacy Group member, Ontario’s youth voice for youth in care issues! You can learn more about this by checking out www.ontarioyouthcan.org. I am passionate about making sure youth’s voices are listened to, not just heard!
Amanda Keller, QC
Amanda is an alumna of care and a former "group home kid". She has a bachelors degree in psychology and a masters degree in psychiatry. She advocates for change in the mental health treatment of youth who reside in residential care as well as change for youth who are aging out of the system.
We are currently seeking new board applications.
For application details, click here.
For the board application form, click here.
Application deadline is April 15 of each year.
Staff
Our staff are at the heart of our organization. They are the ones that take the vision of our board and members and make it real. Staff can be emailed directly by clicking on their name.
Yvonne Andrews, Interim Executive Director
I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and immigrated to Canada with my parents as a young child. At the age of 13, I was placed into the care of Metro Toronto Children’s Aid Society and was a Crown Ward until my 18th birthday.
In 1987, I joined the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre, fondly known as “PARC”. My involvement with the PARC Network group offered me the kind of support I needed as a teenager to learn, heal and grow. This eventually guided me to a career of advocating for the rights of my peers in and from care across Canada, and worldwide. In 1996, I joined the National Youth In Care Network as National Development Officer and from 1999 to 2002, I was a board member of the International Foster Care Organisation.
Since 2000, I have lived in beautiful British Columbia where I have focused on meaningful engagement opportunities for youth in care, and street involved and homeless youth. In 2008 I returned to the NYICN as Director of Research and Education and recently, moved into the Executive Director role for a one year term. I am honoured and excited about this opportunity to help strengthen and lead the Network into our 25th year!
As a member-driven organization, we are committed to bringing your voices front-and-centre in matters affecting you directly. The only way for us to do this of course, is by our members getting involved and telling us what matters most!
I look forward to working with all of you and encourage you to contact me directly with your questions and suggestions atyvonne@youthincare.ca
In Friendship
Yvonne (Yve) Andrews
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
In 2010, the NYICN will announce several new part time and full time contract positions. Please visit this page over the next few months to view job postings and other opportunities for our members to get involved!
Contract Staff
Chris Bentzen, Design Consultant
