Robyn Harvey
Director of Training and Child Welfare Programs
Senior Trainer
Robyn Harvey is a dedicated professional with a passion for supporting families and advocating for the well-being of children. With over two decades of experience in the field, she has made significant contributions to the foster care system and family support programs in Illinois. Currently serving as the Director of Training and Child Welfare Programs at Be Strong Families since 2012, Robyn plays a vital role in advancing the organization's mission.
Before joining Be Strong Families, Robyn worked as a consultant for the Strengthening Families Illinois Project from 2008 to 2012. During this time, she focused on serving the foster parent population, organizing Parent Cafés, and collaborating with a team to develop family-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed workshops. Her dedication and commitment to empowering families earned her recognition as a valuable resource for foster parents and caregivers.
Prior to her consulting role, Robyn worked as a Foster Parent Support Specialist for the Department of Children and Family Services in Illinois. In this position, she provided guidance, resources, and support to foster parents, helping them navigate the challenges of fostering and promoting positive outcomes for children in care. Her exceptional leadership skills led to her appointment as the chair of the Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council, where she effectively represented the interests of foster parents and contributed to policy discussions.
Robyn's expertise extends to training as well. She retired as a certified Master Trainer for the PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education) program, which equips foster parents with essential knowledge and skills. Through this training initiative, Robyn empowered countless foster parents to provide safe, nurturing environments for the children they care for.
Recognized as an outstanding advocate, Robyn was chosen as one of 50 super advocates to represent caregivers across the nation through the Family First Program. This honor provided her with the opportunity to share her expertise and insights on Capitol Hill, advocating for policies that support and strengthen families involved in the foster care system.
Outside of her professional achievements, Robyn cherishes her role as a foster/ adoptive parent. Alongside her husband, Robert, she has opened her home to numerous children over the course of 22 years. Their commitment to providing a loving and stable environment for these children has been recognized, and they were honored as Illinois Foster Parents of the Year in 2004.
Robyn lives in Northern Illinois with her husband and together have 6 sons and 3 grandchildren. Her personal and professional experiences have shaped her belief in the transformative power of family. She carries the conviction that family is the foundation from which individuals grow and thrive. Embodying the words of Anthony Brandt, she understands that although circumstances may change, the importance of family remains constant. Through her work at Be Strong Families and her tireless efforts in the child welfare care community, Robyn continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families, ensuring they have the support and tools they need to flourish.
“Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.” — Anthony Brandt