Carolyn Olsen
Executive Director/Co-Founder
colsen@fyifosteryouth.org | 661-360-1500 ext. 700
After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Carolyn enjoyed a successful career in the banking industry. Following the birth of her first child, she left the corporate world to focus on raising her children and volunteering in the community. Carolyn has served in nonprofit leadership roles in Santa Clarita for over 20 years. She was introduced to the foster care system in 2016 when she became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Assigned to work with a 17-year-old foster youth, she quickly realized the unique challenges faced by youth transitioning to adulthood without parental support. As Carolyn began finding ways to help the young woman for whom she was advocating, she developed a passion to use what she was learning to help as many foster youth as possible. In 2017, Carolyn joined forces with her friends Gina Stevens and Stacey Anton, and the three founded FYI. Under Carolyn’s leadership, FYI has grown from an idea to a team of 7 staff and over 100 volunteers who have served 193 foster youth to date.
Gina Stevens
Program Director/Co-Founder
gstevens@fyifosteryouth.org | 661-360-1500 ext. 701
At age fifteen, Gina found herself mourning the death of her high school sweetheart while simultaneously awaiting the birth of her first child. In spite of the odds stacked against her as a young single mother, Gina went on to obtain her high school diploma, earn a BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology/Child Development, and gain employment with the prestigious nonprofit, Teach for America. Gina eventually met and married her husband and went on to have three more children. In 2011, Gina and her husband added to their family by becoming foster parents to two teenagers who now belong to their forever family. Gina’s firsthand experience with the needs and challenges facing foster youth transitioning to adulthood and her passion about ensuring their access to higher education drove her to act. Together with her friends Carolyn Olsen and Stacey Anton, she founded Fostering Youth Independence (FYI) and developed the programs that are changing the lives of Santa Clarita’s foster youth. Gina’s obvious love and concern for each youth in the FYI community is one of the greatest reasons for FYI’s success.
Crystal Larochelle
Youth-Ally Coordinator
clarochelle@fyifosteryouth.org | 661-360-1500 ext. 705
With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Crystal began her career as a technical writer and moved on to become a marketing communications writer for an international consulting firm. A lifelong volunteer, Crystal has held various board positions with nonprofits such as A Better Living Permanent Housing and Supportive Services, the Parent Association of Legacy and Sunshine Schools, and Valencia Summit’s HOA swim team. Crystal’s passion for education, children and providing opportunity to those facing challenges drew her to FYI, where she became an Ally in 2017. Since Crystal became a Youth/Ally Coordinator in February 2019, she has become a strong advocate for FYI’s youth. Now working remotely from Orange County, Crystal serves FYI youth who have transferred to colleges outside of California.
Debie Kimball
Youth-Ally Coordinator
Dkimball@fyifosteryouth.org | 661-360-1500 ext. 706
Debie joined the FYI team in 2020 after many years of working with children, both personally and professionally. She served for over 25 years in her local church’s children’s ministry, seven years of that on staff as the Administrative Assistant to the Children’s Pastor. After raising her own two children, now adults, Debie and her husband heard about a foster child who had already been through eight placements and needed a new home. They opened their home to him and quickly learned more about the child welfare system and the great needs that foster children and youth have. Debie began volunteering on the OneMore Foster Initiative team at her church, where she connected with Gina Stevens and FYI. Debie has a huge heart for helping others and was attracted to FYI’s vision to support and nurture foster youth to become successful, thriving adults. She was excited to turn her calling into a job when she joined the FYI staff.
Diane Nussbaum
Youth-Ally Coordinator
dnussbaum@fyifosteryouth.org | 661-360-1500 ext. 703
Diane comes to FYI from the field of education. She began her career as an elementary school teacher. While raising her family, she transitioned into working as an instructional coach and a student-teacher supervisor through her school district and at CSU Bakersfield. Diane holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a School Administrative Service Credential. Working with children and young adults in the learning process is a passion for her. Diane is an active volunteer in the community through many organizations such as the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, sports teams, homeless shelters, and her parish church. She had volunteered for FYI for several years before joining the leadership team in 2020 and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of foster youth.
Jennifer Giliberto
Youth-Ally Coordinator
jgiliberto@fyifosteryouth.org I 661-360-1500 ext. 708
Jennifer brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to FYI. In her early years as a single mother, while working full-time, Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration attending college at night. Overcoming domestic violence and wanting to create a bright future for herself and her son, she was determined to change her life trajectory and chart a new path forward. Jennifer gained over 20 years of professional experience in higher education at the University of Laverne, specializing in academic advising, mentoring, and coaching young adults. In 2016, she earned a master’s degree in Leadership, which helped hone her skill to inspire, lead with heart, and further her passion for helping young adults realize their full potential and attain a college degree. Jennifer has a deep understanding of the importance of support in achieving success, and believes that with love and encouragement, our youth can become independent, successful adults.
Shana Butterwick
Youth-Ally Coordinator
sbutterwick@fyifosteryouth.org | 661-360-1500 ext. 702
Shana’s passion for working with teens and young adults began while she was in college in New Jersey, where she interned at a shelter for at-risk youth and developed a strong connection with the kids. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Shana worked at a non-profit and then transitioned to the corporate world. Following the birth of the first of her two daughters, Shana took some time to raise her family and volunteer in her community with Family Promise. Shana then began working for a psychologist who made court recommendations for families with open DCFS cases. In 2017, Shana and her family moved to Santa Clarita, where she continued her work remotely while volunteering locally. Shana heard about FYI in 2023, became an Ally, and quickly fell in love with the organization’s work. Shana has always had a special place in her heart for young people in foster care and is excited to advocate for FYI youth.