Affirmation upon affirmation led them to build the organization we now call Baby Steps.
The Baby Steps Story
Matt & Michelle Schultz // Founders
Over 30 years ago Founders Matt and Michelle Schultz found themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy at Auburn University. With fear and anxiety, Michelle (current Auburn Hub Executive Director) 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 // Co-Founder
A needed affirmation came in the spring of 2013. In a moment of uncertainty that Baby Steps was truly needed, Co-Founder Kaitlyn Willing (current Baby Steps COO) 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 Student-Moms are not defined by their circumstances but are empowered to thrive!
In 2017, Baby Steps officially opened its doors at Auburn University and began expansion efforts in 2021. Since the beginning, our team has been striving each day to empower Student-Moms to persevere as both students and mothers.
