Lauren Johanna Faust (born July 25, 1974 in Annapolis, Maryland) is an American television animator. She was the storyboard artist for The Powerpuff Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. She is also the developer for My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. She announced that she would be stepping down as Executive Producer to become the Consulting Producer on May 8, 2011 after the My Little Pony's first season finale. She studied animation at the California Institute of the Arts. She is also known to discuss the shows that she has worked on with fans on her deviantART page.