Robin Huesman has been the heart behind the Family Ties Resource Center at Cartmell Elementary for nearly three decades. As she prepares to retire after 28 years of service, her legacy is defined by compassion, quiet dedication, and an unwavering willingness to help anyone in need.
Huesman, who holds a degree in family studies with an emphasis on early childhood development, has spent her entire career at Cartmell. She’s seen the Family Ties program evolve from a separate, somewhat isolated center to an integrated part of the school community.
“Before Cartmell was remodeled, the center was big, but it wasn’t connected to the school,” she recalls. “That was a barrier. All the family advocates were together in the center, but now we’re located in the schools. I love being in the school—it opened so many more doors.”
Those open doors have been the key to Huesman’s impact. Her role has always been more than just a job; it’s a mission to meet families where they are, often anticipating needs before they’re spoken.
“It’s very rewarding to help the ones who don’t say they need something but clearly do.”
Huesman has countless stories that reflect the power of small gestures. A new pair of shoes that made a student feel “taller” or “faster.” The memory of a high schooler giving her a giant hug after receiving Christmas presents. A simple dental checkup through the School Smiles program that might be the only visit a child has all year.
“Every year, there are families I make sure get help with what they need,” she says. “Knowing their family and their situation is helpful. I have worried about a lot of kids as they’ve grown up.”
Her heart for the work extended beyond the walls of the school—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Huesman and her team delivered food to families three times a week. The kids’ excitement at seeing them pull up was a bright spot during a dark time.
Through it all, Huesman’s approach has been to adapt to whatever comes her way.
“It’s hard to explain exactly what I do because it’s different daily, and it varies from phases of the year,” she says. “You just have to adapt and go with whatever comes up.”
Huesman said she has enjoyed spending her career based at Cartmell. “I’ve enjoyed it. I wouldn’t have stayed this long if I didn’t enjoy it. I love that it’s different all the time too,” she added.
As Huesman looks ahead to retirement, she hopes to find a way to continue helping part-time but has no specific plans yet.