Oklahoma Youth Helping Shape State Systems Through the Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth is continuing its work convening the Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council, a statewide group of young people ages 16 to 24 who help inform policies, programs and practices affecting youth and families.
The Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council, known as OYAC, provides youth perspectives and lived experience to agencies, organizations and community leaders working to improve youth-serving systems across Oklahoma. Council members participate in regular meetings and discussions focused on identifying service gaps, supporting systems improvement efforts and strengthening collaboration between young people and decision-makers.
“OYAC creates meaningful opportunities for young people to help inform policies and practices that directly impact their lives and communities,” said Amoreena Killough, cross-systems coordinator at the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. “Youth perspectives are essential to building stronger systems and improving outcomes for children and families across Oklahoma.”
Council members also have opportunities to build leadership and advocacy skills, connect with community and agency leaders and learn how systems and policies are developed statewide.
Participation in OYAC is open to Oklahoma youth and young adults with lived experience in youth-serving systems who want to help improve services and supports for other young people across the state.
2026 Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council Members
• Anna Hutson, Checotah
• Brennan Taylor, Nowata
• Cainan Knight, Duncan
• Christian Calloway, Tulsa
• Estella Thompson, Oklahoma City
• Hezekiah Davis, Moore
• Jessica Hernandez, Tahlequah
• Kati Malicoate, Piedmont
• Mattison Engelhaupt, Oklahoma City
• Rex Templeton, Tulsa
• Sarah Berry, Bethany
• Yareli Sanchez-Ceballos, Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council is coordinated by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Click here to learn more about the Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council.