For the past 21 years, Shawn Robinson has dedicated his career to working with individuals living with chronic mental illness, developmental disabilities, and autism, with a special passion for making programming more accessible, equitable, and meaningful for all. Shawn began his career as a summer employee of the Department of Developmental Services, where he was responsible for planning activities for individuals living in a residential group home. Shawn then worked in direct care roles with Department of Mental Health-funded programs serving children and adults with chronic mental illness before becoming a manager of a community-based mental health outreach team.
Since 2011, Shawn has served as the founding director of ServiceNet’s Prospect Meadow Farm. This therapeutic vocational farming program provides meaningful employment opportunities for over 125 individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, or brain injury. Shawn has implemented various initiatives to remove access barriers during his tenure, including a ServiceNet-run transportation program, subsidized farm shares, and more.
Additionally in 2023, Shawn led the development of the innovative and successful Skillbuilders Makerspace Plus, a community-based day and pre-vocational programlocated in Chicopee, MA. This unique program offers participants opportunities to grow creatively and improve social skills through engagement in arts (pottery, painting), technology (3-D printers, computers), and engineering (Lego Studio, robotics, model cars).
Shawn currently serves as Vice President of Vocational Services for ServiceNet, overseeing social enterprises and vocational programming for disabled individuals residing in Franklin, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Hampden counties.
In 2023 Shawn received the Black Excellence on the Hill Award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus for exceptional leadership. Robinson was recognized for his efforts to bridge the racial divide in agricultural work by expanding access to vocational programs for individuals of all income levels and racial backgrounds, thereby promoting employment equity and food security throughout the Pioneer Valley. In 2025 Shawn was honored with the Most Innovative Member Award from the Mental Health Corporations of America. The award recognized his leadership in developing groundbreaking vocational programs that integrate creativity, skill-building, and community engagement to enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Over the years, Shawn has received several other notable accolades for his contributions to his community and profession:
- Department of Developmental Services C/W Region Awardee (2015)
- BusinessWest “40 under 40” (2017)
- Gazette Person of the Year (2023)
Shawn is an active member of his community, currently serving as Chair of the Hatfield Council on Aging Board, a member of the CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) Board of Directors, and an Executive Committee member on the Bement School Board of Trustees.