Meet the Team
Board President & Founder
Melissa Ballard ( She, Her )
Melissa is the Board President of the United States Youth Forum. She currently lives in Germany where she works as a teacher and educational consultant. Before moving to Iraq, she lived in Germany for three years where she worked in a consultancy developing an English-language program. She graduated with a double-MA in International Relations from the University of Kent, Canterbury, and the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Her favorite pastimes involve reading a good book, traveling somewhere new, or staying active through soccer and tennis.
Executive Director
Dante Plush ( He, Him )
Dante is a dedicated advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment, serving as Executive Director of the United States Youth Forum. His background as a Title 1 educator in the Bronx fueled his commitment to help underserved youth become community leaders. At USYF, he amplifies youth voices through civic engagement and policy advocacy, earning support from notable leaders like Sheryl Sandberg. Recognized with awards from Pace University, Dante also enjoys stand-up comedy, chess, and Yu-Gi-Oh! in his free time.
Board Member
Cristina Theriault ( She, Her )
Cristina is an applied psychologist and management consultant in Pennsylvania, specializing in human and organizational systems. She helps organizations improve human capital in recruitment, development, and managment. Currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Penn State, her research centers on personality, misconduct, and decision-making to enhance diversity and strategic alignment. Cristina is dedicated to mentoring young professionals for future leadership.
Operations Coordinator
Astha Saxena ( She, Her )
Meet Astha our Operations Coordinator, she is an anthropologist and social practitioner with field experience across India, Canada, and the US. She has worked alongside vulnerable women navigating housing, immigration, and survival, always with community at the center. When she's not deep in systems and social justice, she's chasing art, scribbling something down, or talking to anyone who'll listen!
Editorial Coordiantor
Brianna Vanderstelt ( She, Her )
Brianna our Editorial Coordinator is a proud Michigander now living in Indiana, holds a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University and is completing her MA in Clinical Health Counseling and Social Psychology at Ball State University, where she will join the Counseling Psychology PhD cohort in 2025. Her education and training have fueled her passion for social justice, advocacy, and mental health. As the editorial team leader for USYF, she aims to empower youth voices politics and share her interests, particularly in mental health and supporting marginalized communities. In her free time, Brianna enjoys video games, exploring, being outdoors, and reading.
Impact Agent - Social Media
Hannah Fritz ( She, Her )
Hannah is a Social Media Impact Agent for the United States Youth Forum, based in Tennessee. She recently graduated from Maryville College with her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing. She has performed many tasks from data analysis, brand developement, merchandise planning, and social media campaigns. She is a quick learner and passionate worker excited to grow her skills and empower young voices! Outside of work she is an avid D&D Player, writer, streamer, gamer, and anime enjoyer; she especially enjoys engaging and sharing these hobbies with friends.