Board Member Since: 2011
Board Member; Child Welfare Consultant, Previously Executive Director, Voice for Adoption, Washington DC. Alumni of the FosterClub All-Star Internship, 2005 and 2007. Alumnus of foster care.
An alumnus of the foster care system, Schylar was in care from age 6 until he aged out at 18. Later at age 25, Schylar was adopted by his mentor and 6th grade music teacher. Schylar served as President of the board of directors and other roles for Montana Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for 6 years, and is currently the board secretary of the ChildWise Institute (link is external). Schylar works as the Executive Director of Voice for Adoption (link is external) in Washington, DC., develops and advocates for improved adoption policies. Recognized as a national leader in special needs adoption, VFA works closely with federal and state legislators, as well as other child welfare organizations, to make a difference in the lives of the 108,000 children in foster care who are waiting to be adopted and the families who adopt children from foster care. He is dedicated to improving the futures and outcomes for all of his brothers and sisters in the foster care system. Before joining VFA in 2016, for nearly a decade, Schylar worked as an Outreach Manager for for the nonprofit Student Assistance Foundation in Montana where he helped students overcome barriers to financing and pursue their dreams of post-secondary education. Schylar is a 2005 FosterClub All-Star and a 2007 All-Star Level II, and was honored in 2008 as one of 10 Outstanding Young Leaders by the Kids are Waiting campaign, a project of Pew Charitable Trusts. Schylar holds MA in Public Administration and a BS in Professional and Technical Communication (University of Montana).
