We’re here to help YOU

Have you ever needed a little time for yourself – for a date, a night with friends, a meeting, a workout, even a sunny walk in the park -- but found that it was such a hassle to get a sitter that you just didn’t bother? Join the club.

Sure, you have sitters. But by the time you text one, wait for a response, then call another, lose a day waiting for the call back, email someone else…you know the drill. So you stay home. Being all-parent, all-the-time leaves you feeling like a one-dimensional human being -- not to mention run-down and stressed out! That’s not the best frame of mind when it comes to parenting.

A happy parent is a good parent

At SitterScout, we think that “me time” allows you to fill yourself up, refresh, recharge and can ultimately make you a happier, better parent. There are millions of sites out there about kids and family. This one is for YOU. Our mission at SitterScout is to simplify and accelerate your sitter logistics (babysitters, petsitters, housesitters, whatever you’ve got!) so that you will take the time you need.

Who We Are

We are parents. Parents who dearly love our children, but occasionally need time away – for play, for friends, for work, for fun! We found that the sitter scheduling craziness was preventing us from getting out. We also found each other.

With shared passion for the concept and highly complementary professional experience, we decided to take SitterScout mobile and share it with the world! The idea was hatched and we’re now reaping the benefits of quick sitter scheduling. (We’re probably out having fun right now!)

Heidi Rielly

Heidi started her career in NYC at Coopers & Lybrand and made a permanent move to the web in the mid-nineties with Modem Media. After a few years as a stay-at-home mom, Heidi launched an early version of SitterScout in the Seattle area. While she knew she had a great idea, she also knew it’d be a heckuva lot more fun to work on it with friends.

Today, Heidi and her husband are raising two kids in Silicon Valley. When she’s not working on SitterScout, she loves geeking out on gadgets and technology, finding new adventures in the beautiful Bay Area and eating chocolate. LOTS of chocolate.

Heidi’s favorite SitterScout moment was when she booked a sitter in less than 60 seconds before heading out for a spontaneous girls night out.

Travis McElfresh

Travis is currently the Chief Technology Officer at InfoSpace (www.infospace.com). Prior to joining InfoSpace, he was CTO at Onecast, VP of Technology at msnbc.com and a senior technologist for xBox. He enjoys programming SitterScout very late at night and on weekends. (His wife does not love this.)

When he’s not InfoSpacing or SitterScouting, Travis uses his “away” time to sing Karaoke, tend to his bees, build houses for his ducks, whitewater raft down gnarly rivers and fish for Salmon in British Columbia. Travis is married with 11 and 9 year old sons.

Travis’ fondest SitterScout moment to date was testing early code for SitterScout and much to his surprise, he booked a sitter in 90 seconds. (His wife does love this!)

Catherine Captain

Catherine is a Sloan Fellow at London Business School. She has been General Manager for TODAYshow.com, VP of Marketing for msnbc.com and head of Marketing Research at USA TODAY.

Catherine deeply covets her “me time” and occasionally uses it to go to the movies, indulge in a mani/pedi with a gossip magazine, and serve on the board for the Make a Wish Foundation. Her hubby is president of the PTA and their daughters are 11 and 9.

Catherine’s favorite SitterScout usage thus far was to secure a weekend dogsitter for her 13 year old golden retriever in less than 3 minutes.

Inspired by our mission? Pining for your own time away? Get started now at www.sitterscout.com, schedule your sitters in seconds, and get out and about!