“Affirmation upon affirmation led her to build the organization we now call Baby Steps.”
The Baby Steps Story
Matt & Michelle Schultz // Co-Founders
Over 30 years ago Co-Founders Matt and Michelle Schultz found themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy at Auburn University. With fear and anxiety, Michelle felt that finishing her degree and having her baby was impossible. So, she made the decision to terminate her pregnancy and continue with her plans for the future.
As years went by, they realized how a seemingly small decision impacted their lives. Their eyes were opened to an overlooked, isolated population in desperate need of support. They felt an unceasing call to do something more. This is when the idea of Baby Steps was born.
The Story Continues
Kaitlyn Willing // Director of National Operations
A needed affirmation came in the spring of 2013. In a moment of uncertainty that Baby Steps was truly needed, Kaitlyn Willing (current Baby Steps Director of Operations) shared that just two and a half years earlier, as a junior at Auburn University, she experienced her own unplanned pregnancy. While Kaitlyn decided to parent her child and finish her degree, the lack of support made graduating almost impossible. Kaitlyn affirmed the concept of Baby Steps as an organization and helped build Baby Steps by providing unique insight to what life was like as a Student-Mom on a college campus.
Although very different, their two journeys fuel our desire to create a space where young women are not defined by their circumstances but are empowered to thrive. In 2017, Baby Steps at Auburn University officially opened its doors and has been striving each day to empower Student-Moms to persevere as both students and mothers.
A New Chapter
As Baby Steps continues to grow, we have embraced an important transition that strengthens our mission and propels us forward. Michelle Schultz recently transitioned to Chair of the Board while maintaining her role as Auburn Hub Executive Director. This move allows her to stay close to the heart of our mission in the day-to-day operations, ensuring that as we expand, the core values and true mission of Baby Steps are never lost.
We are proud to have Cary Chandler as our President and CEO, leading us into this exciting new phase. Cary brings a wealth of experience from his successful career as a serial entrepreneur and global business executive. His work with the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation and his leadership in launching brands across 55 countries uniquely position him to guide Baby Steps as we bring our mission to Student-Moms across the nation.
Cary’s connection to our mission is deeply personal. His daughter faced an unplanned pregnancy in college, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges Student-Moms face. This experience fuels his passion for Baby Steps and his commitment to expanding our reach far beyond our current location.
Under Cary's leadership, Baby Steps remains dedicated to empowering Student-Moms, as we work to create a culture of empowerment that extends across the country.