Q&A WITH Robin C. Reese: Executive Director of Lucas County Children Services

Robin Reese is the Executive Director of Lucas County ChildrenServices, the county agency responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect. She was named director by the agency’s board of trustees in March 2016, six months after being named interim director and one year after being named associate director of the agency. Since 1984, she’s been with Lucas County Children Services, rising from caseworker to manager of the Placement Department in 1988. In that position, she was responsible for ensuring that every child who neededt o live away from his or her biological parents had an appropriate place to live. She also supervised the adoption unit and the foster parent training and licensing processes. A lifelong Toledoan, Ms. Reese earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Toledo. She has also volunteered for the local United Way. Where do you call home? For many years, I have lived in the Old West End neighborhood in Toledo. What was your first job? I was a “salad maker” at the old Forum Cafeteria at Southwyck Mall. What health or lifestyle tips do you support? To me, it’s important to have a strong spiritual life. It provides me with the opportunity to step away from the stresses of the job. I also enjoy exercising. Your biggest self-indulgence? I’m not much for indulgences, although I enjoy playing games on my iPad, and every year, I take my mother on a trip. I have always wanted to …? Go to Paris. What trait do you admire in others? I respect people who work hard, and give it their all. Something most people don’t know about you? I am a Barbra Streisand fanatic! Words you live by? There are not specific words, but I hold myself accountable for treating others the best that I can. Your proudest accomplishment? My children, and the wonderful adults that they have become. Person you most respect? It has to be my husband, Pete Reese. He is a wonderful partner, a good father, a hard worker and just a good person.