Youth Advisory Council

Hello, I’m Lian (he/him), twenty, and returning as the 2026 YAC group co-chair. I’ve been a youth in care since 2020 and am now on a RSG agreement, living independently, studying flight services at college. This is my fourth year on the council and my goal is to help other youth get what they need in care. More specifically, I want to build support and share events for queer youth and support transitions into higher education! Let’s let our voices be heard!

Hi my name is Shamika and I’m currently in my last year of Highschool. I have been a part of this amazing youth advisory for a year and I’ve enjoyed it very much. Some of my goals after high school are to attend university for children, youth and studies and become a social worker.

Hello, I’m Arianna. I’m 17 years old (she/her), this is my second year of being a part of the YAC and I am the note taker! I have been a kid in care since 2011, I am currently in high school, and I’m planning on going to college for social work! My goal is to help out as much as I can with the mental health in the CAS community, and try to help people who are struggling!

Hello, hello! My name is Shakira and I am a 23 year old, former youth with YRCAS. I have been involved with foster care from approximately the age of 7, becoming a crown ward (now ‘extended care society’) at the age of 9, and eventually transitioning into the RSG program at 18. As of the start of 2026 I have stepped down as a co-chair of the YAC after 2 years, entering into a new Youth Liaison role to help support the council and new members; I enjoy continuing to volunteer my time to these youth in care. I hold a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo and am in my final year of nursing at the University of Toronto, the latter of which has really shaped my children’s aid advocacy over the last year and a half.

My full name is Nico Antonio T., I am a solo indie game developer and have been a member of the YAC for over a year now. I am 20 years old and I identify as a male. I am currently a George Brown student. I intend to help out to the best of my ability to ensure the betterment of countless lives. Let’s work together!

Hi, I’m Kaylie, I’m 21, and I use she/her pronouns. I spent 7 years in foster care with York Region Children’s Aid Society and am now working with YRCAS via the RSG program. I’m Indigenous, and I want to be an advocate for other Indigenous youths! I now work as a Developmental Service Worker, supporting adults with disabilities! I love being part of the YAC and helping create positive change for the youth and families served by YRCAS.

Hey, my name is Zhenqi T. I am 17 years old as a grade 12 high school student, and this will be my first year on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) in 2026. I have been a youth in care since late 2024 with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) with an extended care agreement, living with a foster family. I joined this council because I wanted to help my fellow youths in care to not have to worry about unforeseen problems that may arise in their environment and living situations.

Hi, I’m Kausha, I am a 20-year-old (she/her) and a proud mom to an amazing little boy. My experiences have shaped my passion for advocacy, especially when it comes to supporting and uplifting youth in care.

I care deeply about ensuring that young people feel heard, valued, and included in decisions that affect their lives. Being part of a YAC allows me to share my perspective, contribute meaningful ideas, and help create positive change within the system.

I am committed to growth, learning, and using my voice to advocate for safe, supportive environments where youth can thrive. I bring empathy, lived experience, and a strong desire to make a difference — not only for my son, but for the next generation of youth in care.

My name is Melissa, I am 18 years old and I am currently going to college to study early childhood education. I hope to one day be either a social worker or a nail technician.

Hello!

My name is Paris (She/Her) ! I joined CAS around late 2025 and joined the YAC in 2026! I’m an 18 year old highschool student on RSG hoping to get into university or college for nursing! I love drawing, reading and writing. My goal is to help youth do their best and pursue their passions and not let go of what makes life easier during the hard times as those exact same things are what we need in such times.

Hello my name is Hope i am 16 years old, this will be my first year in the YAC group. I have been in child care for 10 years now, I am currently in high school looking forward to going to college for nursing.