Chantal is a senior policy entrepreneur at Next100 and an advocate for students involved in the foster system, working to ensure they have the educational support they need to succeed. At Next100, Chantal’s work focuses on improving academic outcomes and narrowing the opportunity gap between students in the foster system and their peers. Chantal works to explore how schools and school districts can be sources of support, encouragement, and care for this unique and vulnerable population, while drawing on her experience as an education attorney working directly with students and families impacted by the foster system.

Chantal previously worked at Advocates for Children of New York as a senior staff attorney and education collaborative coordinator. She coordinated a peer-driven collaborative with twenty-three New York City foster care agencies, ensuring the education staff at those agencies had the information and skills needed to advocate for the educational needs of the students they served. She also provided direct representation to students and families, helping parents assert their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Prior to Advocates for Children, Chantal led a faith-based nonprofit and worked at the Administration for Children’s Services. Chantal graduated from Adelphi University and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She also holds a master’s of biblical and theological studies from Dallas Theological Seminary.