.png)
.jpg)
About Fonda
Fonda J. Royster
Trauma-Informed Speaker · Scholar · Facilitator · Advocate
Fonda speaks the truth about what vulnerable youth face — not from textbooks, but from lived experience, professional insight, and nearly 25 years of direct service. She equips schools, organizations, professionals, and communities to recognize risk, respond responsibly, and protect the young people in their care.
OATL Founder | RESA Solutions CEO | Published Author | Domestic Violence Specialist | Community Advocate
OATL Founder | RESA Solutions CEO | Published Author | Domestic Violence Specialist | Community Advocate
In Her Own Words
I've lived it. I've worked it. Now I speak it.
Fonda J. Royster is a trauma-informed speaker, scholar, facilitator, and advocate committed to facing the realities vulnerable youth encounter. Through honest storytelling, practical education, and culturally grounded insight, she equips professionals and communities to recognize risk, respond responsibly, and protect young people in their care.
My work is about making sure these babies are seen, protected, and understood before survival becomes their whole story.
Her Story
From Survival to Advocacy
Fonda is a survivor of childhood homelessness, systemic abuse, and the hidden struggles many unaccompanied youth endure. Her journey from survival to advocacy gives her message a depth and honesty that resonates with audiences who need both truth and hope.
Her book We Do Exist shares this story while shining light on the invisible world of youth homelessness, dating violence, and the urgent need for trauma-responsive care. It is not just a book — it is a call to action for every adult who works with vulnerable youth.
Fonda's path from unaccompanied youth to nonprofit founder, CEO, published author, and sought-after speaker is a testament to the power of lived experience combined with professional expertise and an unwavering commitment to community.
25+
Years in social services advocacy
1,000+
Youth served through OATL
1,000+
Domestic violence cases assessed annually
Professional Credentials
25 Years Equipping Communities for Real Impact
.png)
Open Arms Transformation Living
Founder & Executive Director
Serving at-risk youth in Toledo, Ohio through advocacy, mentoring, resource connection, and community education. OATL has supported over 1,000 youth facing homelessness, violence, and systemic barriers.
.png)
RESA Solutions LLC
Chief Executive Officer
Providing trauma-responsive training, consulting, and professional development to organizations serving vulnerable populations. Helping systems move from awareness to meaningful action since January 2025.
.png)
We Do Exist
Published Author
A powerful account of unaccompanied youth survival, systemic challenges, and the path from trauma to transformation. Featured in local media and advocacy discussions across the region.
Core Expertise
What Fonda Brings to Every Room
Youth Homelessness
Understanding unaccompanied youth needs and intervention strategies
Human Trafficking
Prevention, recognition, and trauma-responsive response frameworks
Teen Dating Violence
Warning signs, conversations, and accountability with compassion
Domestic Violence
Supporting survivors through systems and community response
Foster Care
Navigating challenges and building stability for transitioning youth
Trauma-Responsive Care
Moving organizations from awareness to practice with real frameworks
Featured Media
Fonda's Work in the Media
Fonda's message has been featured across local news, podcasts, magazines, and community platforms.
Bold Journey Magazine
Meet Fonda J. Royster
In-depth profile on her journey from survival to advocacy, founding OATL, and why trauma-informed care changes everything.
Bold Journey Magazine
Meet Fonda J. Royster
In-depth profile on her journey from survival to advocacy, founding OATL, and why trauma-informed care changes everything.
WTOL News
New book exposes the invisible world of homeless youth
Fonda discusses We Do Exist and the urgent realities facing vulnerable teens in our communities.
LC Mentally Podcast
Open Arms Transformational Living
Deep conversation about youth homelessness, systems change, and the power of lived-experience leadership.
LC Mentally Podcast
Open Arms Transformational Living
Deep conversation about youth homelessness, systems change, and the power of lived-experience leadership.
WTOL News
New book exposes the invisible world of homeless youth
Fonda discusses We Do Exist and the urgent realities facing vulnerable teens in our communities.
Bold Journey Magazine
Meet Fonda J. Royster
In-depth profile on her journey from survival to advocacy, founding OATL, and why trauma-informed care changes everything.