Meet the San Diego Mama Behind...

5 Mamas form Innovation Parenting...together they are a team of experienced professionals (psychologists, scientists, educators, recreation therapists, etc.) that are passionate about improving parenting through science and fun! Not only do they offer fun, informative mini-consultations to playgroups, but they will also do in-home consultations and family therapy.

Meet Cheryl, Chris, Kelly, Elizabeth & Erin!

(warning...this post is long, but all of these ladies have great insider information into living with kids in San Diego!)

Cheryl Rode
Why did you start your business?
Being a parent has been the most amazing experience of my life, and it can be a roller coaster ride! Parents have a hard time getting all the support they need and we wanted to make it easier for parents to get support, advice, knowledge, to be the best parent they can be. I happen to be surrounded by great parents with lots of parenting knowledge, so it just made sense to come together and give our support to other parents.

What is your favorite thing about running your business?
Working with other parents who want the best for their families and want to help other families is a wonderful experience. It's fun to create something innovative and accessible to parents. I love seeing happy children and parents together.

What is your all-time favorite thing about living in San Diego?
It's like living in "Family Vacationland" - there is no end to the activities you can do here! Zoo, parks, museums, beaches, mountains, perfect weather. As a parent, I have no trouble finding something awesome to do with my children.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
My kids would say Rubio's, but I'll say Royal Thai downtown or La Jolla. My husband and I have been going there since we were poor college students. When I was going to school in West Virginia I would crave the spring rolls!

Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego?
Balboa Park for anything, especially at the Holidays, and mornings at the beach any time of year.

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
hmm, let me think about that... To be honest, I love to go shopping ALONE, so I can wonder the mall without pressure or distraction. I don't even mind coming home empty-handed. I just enjoy the freedom to browse. I do like going shopping with my husband, too, but we usually buy more for him on those dates.

Any insider San Diego secrets to share? There is a tiny beach next to the Bahia Resort at Mission Bay that is perfect for very young children - parking is free and easy, bathrooms are clean and close, water is clean and calm on that side of the bay. Also, Souplantation is a great way to get your kids to eat veggies, but go early before the lines.

Chris Bernet
Why did you start your business?
I have been a private practice psychologist for 10 years. I realized that I most enjoy working with parents to help them be the best they can be for their children. When Cheryl Rode approached me with the idea of joining her in starting Innovation Parenting, I jumped at the chance.

What is your favorite thing about running your business?
Being able to work with parents and children and watch how they start enjoying each other more and having fun together.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
Since I am truly a southern California gal, I would have to say Las Posta Mexican Restaurant on Third and Washington.

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
My husband and I enjoy the many hikes San Diego County has to offer.

Any insider San Diego secrets to share?
I just love the view from Il Fornio in Del Mar. It has a charming patio where you can enjoy some wine and wonderful view.

Kelly O'Day
Why did you start your business?
To be able to continue to work but be home with my daughter. I feel that I have a lot to offer to families

What is your favorite thing about writing running your business?
The fact that I get to do what I went to school for, what I love to do and it is flexible to my schedule so that I can give 110% when I am working.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
Anywhere Mexican! I love Mexican food and I think that San Diego has the best. I really love En Fuego in Del Mar but that is partly due to their amazing Mojitos as well!

Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego?
The zoo and wild animal park. I feel like it is a different experience each time based on what other families I go with or what visitors from out of town are with us. It is nice to have the season pass because we never have to do the whole zoo or park, it is usually two hours, in an out, nap in the car on the way home, it fits nicely into both of our schedules!

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
When I am not pregnant, dancing. When I am pregnant, which I have been for the most part of the past two years, out to a nice and quiet restaurant where I can have adult conversation and relax. That or a massage!

Any insider San Diego secrets to share?
The School of Healing Arts in Pacific Beach is a great place to go and get an hour massage for a great price. It is a huge part of my sanity and well being. I love to shop at UTC, it is very easy to navigate and stroller friendly. On another note, avoid Horton Plaza with a stroller unless you know it very well. It took me 40 minutes and the verge of tears to get out of there with my daughter in her stroller last time!

Elizabeth Harris
Why did you start your business?
I joined forces with these women because I am passionate about happy children and happy families.

What is your favorite thing about writing running your business?
I love the flexibility and hope to some day work from home.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
We like to go to Red Robin as a family, but as a couple we love to go to Rainwater’s on Kettner

Where is your favorite place to go with your child/children in San Diego?
I love to take Ryan to the Birch Aquarium. It is so peaceful and beautiful.

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends)?
Out to a nice quiet dinner or a movie, cliché I know, but it happens so rarely.

Any insider San Diego secrets to share?
I love UTC, it is a great mall to take kids to—good stores (Janie and Jack is my favorite), a train ride and a bounce house! Seagrove Park in Del Mar! This is such a beautiful place to take your children. Ryan always puts his arms up and laughs as we walk down 15^th street approaching the water and swings (his favorite).

Erin Foley
Why did you start your business?
To be more involved with parents in the community and to promote the development of healthy family relationships. This business allows me and my colleagues to use the skills and resources we have to help families enjoy the time they spend together.

What is your favorite thing about running your business?
Having the flexibility to engage in many different activities and to engage in professional work that is both creative and rewarding.

Where is your favorite place to eat in San Diego?
Bombay in Hillcrest

Where is your favorite place to go without your child (with your husband or girlfriends) ?
Cinema Under the Stars

Any insider San Diego secrets to share?
Sara Renee at Disconnected Salon in North Park gives a great cut and style. The Golden Spoon in Hillcrest offers discounts on frozen yogurt every Tuesday - pairing that up with a trip to one of the museums in Balboa Park makes for a great day out.