Current Leadership
National Youth in transition database
NYTD INTERNS
NYTD Interns work directly with the Youth Engagement team at Foster Success, as well as the Older Youth Initiatives team through the Department of Child Services to support youth engagement initiatives and educate others on the NYTD program.
Throughout their term, Interns are given opportunities for personal & professional growth and are dedicated to effecting change within the child welfare system.
Interested in joining the NYTD Intern? Reach out to our current team members to learn more!
Current Leadership Team:
Juanita Pointer (she/her)
Juanita joined Foster Success in 2025 as a NYTD Ambassador. In this role, Juanita works to elevate youth voices to influence policy and improve outcomes for those in the foster care system.
Juanita studies cybersecurity at Purdue Northwest. On campus, she serves as the secretary of Women in IT (WIIT) and is an active member of TRIO Student Support Services. Juanita hopes to combine her love of technology and advocacy to build a career in cybersecurity policy and research.
Outside of work, you can find Juanita relaxing with a Studio Ghibli movie marathon.
Shalise Truxler (she/her)
Shalise joined Foster Success in 2024 and dove right into various programs. She joined this role as a NYTD Intern in 2025.
She attends Ball State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Political Science. As well as being a NYTD Ambassador, Shalise is also a member of the Indiana Foster Youth Alliance. One of her goals is to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work so she can pursue a Macro-level career in policy that can positively affect and support foster youth and families.
Outside of work, you’ll find Shalise at a library studying or reading fantasy novels, at home playing video games, or refining her cooking skills.
“I’ve only recently gotten involved with Foster Success, but I’ve already met such amazing people, made meaningful connections, been given so many helpful resources, and been provided with so much support. I’m not sure what I’d do without (them).”
– Eva G.
