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

Our Leadership Team

Cary Chandler, President and CEO of Baby Steps

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, Baby Steps Director of National Operations

Kaitlyn Willing

DIRECTOR OF 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

Charlton Jones, Baby Steps Director of National Marketing

Charlton Jones

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Charlton first connected with Baby Steps in 2017 where she was both an intern and a Student-Mom. She graduated from Auburn University in 2018 with a degree in Communication and before moving to Birmingham with her husband, Seth, and son, Camdyn, to earn her Master’s in Communication Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The family returned to Auburn, where her heart for our mission led her back to Baby Steps. With over seven years of experience in field of marketing and communications, Charlton brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her role. She’s passionate about empowering Student-Moms to feel seen and supported just as she once was.

charlton.jones@babysteps.org

Felicia Buck, Director of National Development

Felicia Buck

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Felicia brings over eight years of nonprofit development experience to Baby Steps, specializing in strategic fundraising, donor cultivation, and team leadership. She first attended Auburn University in 2003, but an unplanned pregnancy in 2006—before Baby Steps' resources existed—led her to step away from college. Determined to finish her education, she later graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2016. Now living in Birmingham, AL, with her husband, Jeff, and their two sons, Blake and Bryant, she is passionate about expanding Baby Steps’ impact. Drawing from her expertise and personal journey, Felicia is committed to ensuring Student-Moms feel supported and have the community they need to thrive as both a student and mother.

felicia.buck@babysteps.org

Devin Post

DIRECTOR OF EXPANSION

Devin is a graduate of Auburn University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education. While at Auburn, she was deeply involved with the Baby Steps Student Organization, serving in several leadership roles—including President, Vice President, and Babysitting Chairman. After graduation, Devin married her husband, Richie, and the couple relocated to Thomasville, Georgia. She continued her academic journey, earning a Master's degree in Secondary English Education from Mercer University. Following a few meaningful years in the classroom, Devin felt a strong desire to return to Baby Steps—this time in a professional capacity—where she now channels her passion and dedication into helping the organization grow.

devin.post@babysteps.org

Our Board of Directors

  • Board Member Michelle Schultz

    Michelle Schultz

    Founder // Board Chairman // Auburn Hub Executive Director

    Bachelor of Science in Apparel Merchandising/Minor in Business: Auburn University.

    23 years of nonprofit experience serving teens and college students.

  • Board Member Cary Chandler

    Cary Chandler

    President and CEO // Board Member

    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.

  • Board Member Kaitlyn Willing

    Kaitlyn Willing

    Co-Founder // Director of National Operations // Board Member

    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 Shelly Adams

    Shelly Adams

    Board Secretary

    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 Dr. Kerri Hensarling

    Dr. Kerri Hensarling

    Board Member

    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 Kristen Cooper

    Kristen Cooper

    Board Member

    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 Michael Dichiara

    Michael Dichiara

    Board Member

    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

  • Board member Tim Gallagher

    Tim Gallagher

    Board Member

    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 Leslie Chapman

    Leslie Chapman

    Board Member

    Bachelor of Science in Economics: Auburn University

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

  • Board Member - Beth Westjohn

    Beth Westjohn

    Board Member

    Master of Business Administration, Leadership Concentration: University of Toledo/Bachelor of Science in Accounting: Illinois State University

    30+ years experience in financing and accounting, strategic execution and growth initiatives, and franchising

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.