The National Leadership Team

Collectively working to bring Baby Steps to college communities across the nation.

Cary Chandler

PRESIDENT & CEO

After a successful career as a serial entrepreneur and global business executive, Cary provided operational leadership for the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation for nearly 8 years. Prior to his time at Auburn, he launched new brands and products in 55 countries around the world, negotiated over 100 licensing agreements, formed more than 50 strategic alliances and partnerships, and was instrumental in five startup ventures. He is a 1983 graduate of Auburn University with a BS in Economics and the University of Oxford (UK) Advanced Management Program. Cary is an Emeritus member of the Advisory Board of the Harbert College of Business. He currently chairs the advisory board for the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Anesthesia Assistant master’s program.

cary.chandler@babysteps.org

Kaitlyn Willing

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL OPERATIONS

Kaitlyn graduated from Auburn University as a Student-Mom in 2013 with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies . Kaitlyn first joined Baby Steps as a Board member in 2014 and later became Baby Steps' first official employee in 2018. Kaitlyn and her husband lived in Auburn for 15 years but recently relocated their family to the deserts of Arizona. The couple has five children. Four boys: Hudson, Croix, and Ezra, and Tobias and a little girl, Haven Grace! Being a Student-Mom was one of the hardest chapters in Kaitlyn's life and her story continues to fuel her to see Baby Steps expand nationwide, so that no woman in college has to struggle alone with being both a student and a mother like she did.

kaitlyn.willing@babysteps.org

Sarah Schmidt

DIRECTOR OF EXPANSION

Several years after graduating from Auburn University, Sarah returned to the Plains to join Baby Steps as the first Live-in Support. Just over a year later, she met her husband, Todd, through their shared love of the Camino de Santiago. The couple is raising their son (Jonah) just outside Mobile, AL, where she is also pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Sarah’s passion for Baby Steps’ mission and experience in many roles within the organization leave her eager to empower others to bring Baby Steps to their own communities.

sarah.schmidt@babysteps.org

Charlton Jones

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL MARKETING

Initially, Charlton connected with Baby Steps in 2017 during her time as an intern and Student-Mom. She graduated from Auburn University in 2018 with a degree in Communication before moving to Birmingham with her husband, Seth, and their son, Camdyn. During this time, she obtained her Master’s Degree in Communication Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The family then returned to Auburn where she began her career in marketing. Charlton is excited to promote the mission of Baby Steps by utilizing her industry insight and personal experience as a Student-Mom to help expand the organization’s reach.

charlton.jones@babysteps.org

  • Board member Tim Gallagher

    Tim Gallagher

    Juris Doctor (JD): The University of Alabama/Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy: Rollins College.

    17 years of legal experience focusing on commercial litigation, financial services, and nonprofit organizations law.

  • Board Member Nicole Gillon

    Nicole Gillon

    Master of Arts in Administration: Michigan State University/Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences: University of Illinois.

    3 years of ministry experience working with young moms, along with volunteer coordinating, training, and event management.

  • Board Member Kristen Cooper

    Kristen Cooper

    Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology: University of West Florida/Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Auburn University.

    13 years of experience in executive succession planning, performance management, and leadership development.

  • Board Member Michelle Schultz

    Michelle Schultz

    Co-Founder of Baby Steps. Bachelor of Science in Apparel Merchandising/Minor in Business: Auburn University.

    23 years of nonprofit experience serving teens and college students.

  • Shelly Adams

    Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Auburn University. Previous Chief of Staff at Tailgate Guys, now partner and VP of Operations at Chptr LLC.

    14 years of experience in systems/processes to scale profitable startups.

  • Board Member Kaitlyn Willing

    Kaitlyn Willing

    Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (Child Development focus): Auburn University.

    13 years of nonprofit experience serving those facing unplanned pregnancies, with personal experience navigating an unplanned pregnancy in college.

  • Board Member Cary Chandler

    Cary Chandler

    Advanced Management Program: University of Oxford/Bachelor of Science in Economics: Auburn University.

    40 years of experience leading innovation, launching startups, and global brands. Serial entrepreneur and global business executive.

  • Dr. Kerri Hensarling

    Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Doctorate of Medicine: The University of South Alabama.

    17 years of experience as an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician after completing a residency at the University of Kentucky.

  • Board Member Leslie Chapman

    Leslie Chapman

    Bachelor of Science in Economics: Auburn University

    Over 30 years of experience in development, public relations, and strategic initiatives at Auburn University

  • Board Member Michael Dichiara

    Michael Dichiara

    Juris Doctor (JD) Thomas Goode Jones School of Law/Bachelor of Science in Finance: The University of Alabama

    18 years of experience in his respective field

In Memory of Bernie Brannan

It is with deep sorrow that one of our founding board members, Bernie Brannan, passed away in June of 2019. He graduated from Auburn University and later went on to receive a Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama's Jones Law Institute. Bernie's passion for Baby Steps goes back to an experience he had as a student at Auburn University. Two of his close friends who were in a relationship became pregnant during their sophomore year. Their parents were unwilling to continue financially supporting their education, resulting in them having to drop out of school. Bernie used his legal expertise to help build Baby Steps in order for college students today to have opportunities his friends did not.

Upon Bernie’s passing, the generosity of his loved ones provided enough funding to begin what became The Tiny Tiger Legacy Fund, a fund that provides professional childcare for the children of Resident Student-Moms.