Celebrating 15 Years of Leadership: Robin Schutz’s Impact on Early Childhood in Livingston County

This summer, Great Start Livingston is proud to celebrate a meaningful milestone: 15 years of service by our Great Start Coordinator, Robin Schutz.

Robin joined this work nearly at its beginning, and her steady leadership has helped build Great Start Livingston into the collaborative, community-driven effort it is today. She’s been a powerful force behind programs and partnerships that support young children and their families—and a trusted guide through changing times.

A Builder of Systems That Work for Families

What makes Robin’s leadership so impactful is her deep commitment to systems change. She doesn’t just ask “what program can help?”—she asks “how can we make this work better for families across our county?”

Through this lens, she’s built strong partnerships across health, education, nonprofit, and family-serving sectors. She’s helped break down silos and foster lasting alignment between organizations and services, so families don’t have to navigate a maze to get what they need.

From shaping strategic goals to improving how we communicate and collaborate, Robin brings intentionality to everything she does—and the results speak for themselves.

Uplifting Family Voice

Robin has also been a tireless advocate for centering family voice in decision-making. She doesn’t just include parents—she sees them as partners and leaders. She has supported the Great Start Family Coalition to become a space where lived experience informs strategy, where family stories lead to change, and where parents feel seen, heard, and valued.

She creates space for voices that have historically been left out—and works to ensure those voices are woven into how we design, deliver, and improve services for children birth to age 8.

A Legacy Felt Across the County

Thanks to Robin’s leadership:

• Collaborative partnerships have grown stronger and more coordinated
• Local families are more connected to programs and services that meet their needs
• Early childhood efforts in Livingston County are built on shared purpose, trust, and relationships
• Parents and caregivers are leading alongside professionals to shape a better future

Robin’s influence is everywhere in Livingston County, and so is her heart.