Francine Baras, CSW Executive Director and Founder of Future Voters of America. In 1979 received a Masters Degree in Social Work from Columbia University. 1980-85, received Post Masters training at Postgraduate center For Mental Health in Child, Adolescent and Family Studies. In 1985,received advanced degree in Child Psychiatry and Parent Guidance. 1985-1990 was Director of the Family Department at Postgraduate center as well as on the general faculty as a supervisor. In 1985, opened a private practice in Manhattan working with children, adolescents and families. In 1990 became a founding board member of The Institute For Child Adolescent and Family Studies. In 1995 Ms. Baras founded The Future Voters of America, a political home for youth ages 12-17.

Diane Graszik, ACSW, CSW received her Master of Social Wok from Adelphi University in 1977. Ms. Graszik has had a dual career as a psychotherapist/consultant working with individuals, families and groups (domestic violence, death,dying and bereavement, drug/alcohol specialist, issues of coping with terrorism, cross cultural adjustment and as an Executive Director for community based mental health and education centers in domestic and international organizations. Ms. Graszik has also consulted on new program development, employee assistance programs for multi-national corporations and traumatic stress syndrome in the workforce. She has served on Boards such as NYC Mayor’s Task Force on Domestic Violence, Alcohol/Substance Abuse, Hospice Planning Board of Nassau County, and International Chambers of Commerce and Rotarian Clubs. Ms. Graszik joined Future Voters of America in 1996.

Carol S. Michaels, PhD is a psychologist in private practice in New York City who specializes in working with children, adolescents and families. Presently, Dr. Michaels is the psychological consultant for the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House’s Youth and Family Services, Board member and supervisor for the Institiute of Child, Adolescent and Family Studies, adjunct Professor at New York and Yeshiva universities. Previously, she was the Director of Training in the Psychoanalytic Treatment of Children and Adolescents and the Child, Adolescent and Family Clinic at Postgraduate Center for Mental Health. In addition, she was the Past President of the Child and Adolescent Section of the Division of Psychanalysis of the American Psychological Association.

Board of Directors

2005 - 2006 Youth Steering Committee