MEET THE 2013 YES TEAM

From the many youth who participated in the 2012 survey and focus groups, eight YES youth participants were selected based on their outstanding interest and abilities. We want to thank all of the youth who participated and all of the stakeholders for their support with survey and focus groups!  We also want to extend a special congratulations to the 2013 YES Team appointees: 

 Nicola “Colaa” Stiles, Sharanda Crews, Jasmine Roberts, Daniel Kelly,  Shannon Nicole Crouch, Abrianna Bernard, Alee Ruiz, Janna Perry-Holloway

 (In order from left to right)

Janna Perry-Holloway, YES Team Leader

Janna Perry-Holloway is a transitioned foster youth, pioneer of the system and founder of the Arkansas YES team.  She entered the foster care system at 14 and transitioned out at 18.  After the transition, she pursued a BSE in Health Promotion from Arkansas State University.  While studying at ASU, Janna was ran division I cross country and track and field.  Following her studies, Janna brought her talents to Arkansas' Court Appointed Special Advocates programs, serving as an Advocate Supervisor for NWA CASA and Executive Director for the 2nd Judicial District.  She remains an active speaker and activist for former foster youth and offers a variety of therapeutic and preventive health education and disciplines.


Honorary YES Team:

  

Kyle Acosta

Kyle Acosta is a foster care alumnus who is driven to help see the system change for the better.  After receiving his B.A. in International Relations from Hendrix College in Conway, Kyle was selected as an Americorps VISTA member and assigned to work at Pulaski County CASA.  He served as the Recruitment and Community Engagement Coordinator for the duration of his service year.  Following his service year, Kyle was hired to work for the Arkansas State CASA Association.  While in the state office, Kyle directed National CASA's pilot program "Fostering Futures."  This program allowed Kyle to train volunteers from all over the state to better focus their advocacy on goal setting for youth in care between the ages of 14 and 21 who were at risk of aging out of the foster care system.  His work and passion from Fostering Futures will play a big role in the development of the Arkansas YES team.

I am so glad to have the opportunity to work on this project. It is not only ensuring the best representation for foster youth, but it is also giving you a voice. As a foster youth, I can truly see how this program  is guaranteeing foster youth with the chance to voice concerns about representation and ensuring dedication to our problems that we deserve. ~Sedella