Kristin Robinson
Training and Technical Assistance Consultant
During childhood, Kristin knew she would one day play a role in the lives of children in need. As a young adult, she felt led, in various ways, to the foster care system—firstly, as a foster care case aide for Catholic Charities, where she gained knowledge, understanding, and a deep love of the families and professionals involved, including the children, parents, caregivers and caseworkers. This became pivotal when she and her husband made the decision to answer the call to become caregivers themselves, beginning their journey and relationship with the children in their care as well as their families and caseworkers. Through those years of caregiving, Kristin deepened her commitment to those in need of assistance navigating the foster care system. When the opportunity came to provide supportive services to caregivers through the Foster Care Support Specialist program, she took it!
With this, Kristin became an advocate and voice for caregivers. She also gained exposure and experience with Be Strong Families through Foster Parent Cafés. She quickly became a firm believer in the five Protective Factors and the mission of Be Strong Families. When the opportunity arose to become a Be Strong Families Consultant, Kristin knew this was where she was called to be in order to further her assistance to all facets of the system. Kristin now finds much satisfaction and fulfillment in her role by hosting Foster Parent Cafés, parent workshops and Cafés, Youth in Care training and Cafés, as well as professional development training. She looks forward to continuing personal development, growth and learning in the future. She often tells others that she “learns something from every event” she leads, hosts, facilitates or attends. Bringing all facets of the system together to the benefit of the children is her goal.
Kristin lives in central Illinois with her husband, Christopher, and seven of her 11 children. She enjoys time with her family and friends and is finding great pleasure in being “The G” to her two granddaughters. She enjoys fitness and health and looks forward to adventures. She points to God as her source of strength and direction, giving Him all her praise, glory, and credit for all He does through her.
“Family goes beyond biology.
Family is imperfect people coming together perfectly.
Family is acceptance and forgiveness for all.
Family is making room for one more.
Family is having others to share all the victories and failures of life with.
Family is love.”