Kelli Todd has dedicated her life to making sure children and families have the support they need to build stronger futures. As executive director of Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ), she leads a team that stands up for vulnerable kids, supports caregivers and helps families navigate difficult times. Today, VYJ has become a trusted place for people to turn when they need guidance and hope.

Kelli’s passion for this work started with firsthand experience. She began as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), speaking up for children in the foster care system. Later, she became a foster parent herself and saw how much of a difference it makes when families have someone in their corner. Those experiences showed her that every child deserves to feel supported and believed in. They continue to inspire her to make sure no family faces those challenges alone.

Under Kelli’s leadership, VYJ offers programs that both meet immediate needs and create lasting change. Through CASA, Teen Court, mentoring, truancy prevention and The Harbor — a hub that connects families to important services — the organization helps children stay safe, engaged and on track. Kelli has also led new efforts like the Calming Studio and school-based programs that bring trauma-informed care directly to the people who need it. Each program reflects her belief that families do better when they have ongoing support and real solutions.

Kelli is known for her steady guidance and deep compassion. Her work builds trust and gives children space to grow up believing in their future. Because of her, thousands of families have found strength in their hardest moments and the courage to keep moving forward.