Board Member Spotlight- Get to know Robin Laird

Tell us a little bit about yourself! 
I recently became Board President of DSAGT. I've been on the board for almost two years. I am (nearly) a lifelong resident of Perrysburg. Grew up here, raised our family here and remained here after our girls graduated. Both of our girls and their families live in San Diego where we visit as often as possible! 
I worked as an intervention specialist for 15 years before becoming an assistant principal at Perrysburg Junior High. During my time at PJHS I worked primarily with teachers and students involved in 504s and IEPs. The kiddos with the most needs were my focus throughout my time there. I retired in 2014 and since then have worked as a caregiver/buddy/fairy godmother to a young man with significant needs. I've remained in the world of kids and adults with disabilities through volunteer work. I'm also a board member of Sunshine Communities, Perrysburg Schools Foundation and Engaging Opportunities Foundation. I'm a compulsive volunteer!

When and why did you join the DSAGT Board? 
I joined the board nearly two years ago. During my involvement with Community Shares, I became acquainted with DSAGT. When Krista came on board we reconnected (she had volunteered for us at Hannah's Socks). Through several conversations, she asked me to join the board. I happily accepted.
I grew up with a brother, Brian, with DS. He was born in 1964, when parents were told to send them to institutions and forget about them. My parents refused, vowing to raise him as they were raising the rest of us. My parents were heavily involved in Wood Co DD. My dad was part of the initiative to build group homes in Wood County. Naturally, through my parents, I too became a regular volunteer at Woodlane and Wood Co DD programs. Even though Brian passed away in 1979, I always knew my career would involve kids and adults with disabilities. Serving on the DSAGT board feels like "home". As I like to say, these kids and adults are "my heart" and feel privileged to have been asked to join.

What are some future goals you have for DSAGT? 
I'm thrilled with the addition of our Adult Matters and Early Matters programs. I believe they will only further expand our support of families. I know, while it's currently a small group, our aging adults seem to have an untapped potential for programming. We are very fortunate to have a number of parents on our board representing different age groups. The critical expertise they provide will continue to steer us in the direction of creating programming that will address specific needs for our kids and adults.

What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
My number one activity is Facetiming with Barrett (almost 3) and Isla (just turned 1) as much as possible (when we can't see them in person.) If you've never Facetimed with toddlers, you have no idea what you're missing!!
Second is visiting our girls and their families. I love to read, run, do yoga, and entertain with friends.