Tatiana Quanin
She/Her
7 Years in Care
Tatiana Quanin began her foster care journey in a group home and moved through multiple foster families. One of her earliest placements was particularly challenging due to a language barrier with her foster parent, which directly impacted her sense of well-being and created emotional obstacles she had to navigate. True stability and a sense of belonging didn’t arrive until she was placed with her cousin just before college—a placement that gave her the foundation to thrive academically, personally, and eventually as an advocate for youth in foster care
Tatiana is now a junior at UMass Amherst, double majoring in Communications and Film, while also pursuing a certificate in Journalism. She writes screenplays, films, and hones her editing skills, balancing creativity with advocacy.
Her commitment to youth in foster care has led her to serve on the Massachusetts Youth Action Board, the New England Youth Coalition, and its Summer Planning Council. She develops surveys, engages in public speaking, meets with DCF leadership, and works to improve the Foster Care Bill of Rights. Tatiana was recognized as a public speaker at the 2025 Kinship Forum and continues to represent youth voices at conferences and events across New England.
