About the Creators

Jennifer Gilbert and Suzie Whitson are parents and educators who were inspired to create the Air Play during a long flight. Jennifer was traveling with her husband and 16-month-old daughter. As the flight dragged on, she found herself playing the roles of mother, comedian, clown, singer, and yoga instructor—anything to keep her toddler entertained and quiet. The flight attendant less than helpfully observed he never took his kids on a plane until they were ten.

Jennifer figured there had to be a better way.

When she returned home, she teamed up with her sister Suzie to develop the Air Play. Drawing on their 20 years of experience in education, they created an easily portable, entertaining play center designed especially for toddlers and young children on the go.

Jennifer received her BA in Writing from the University of Colorado. Her passion for experience a diversity of cultures, people and cuisines led her to travel to six continents, and she as lived in Costa Rica, Chile and Australia.

Later, she decided to share her experiences from traveling and living abroad by pursuing a career as a teacher and received a Masters in Education from Regis University. She has taught in public schools and now spends her time raising her two young children.

Suzie holds an undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from Colorado State University and a Masters in the same field. After working at the National Jewish Center for Respiratory and Immunology Diseases, she decided to focus her efforts on children and Suzie now works for the Jefferson County Public School System as a speech therapist. Also an enthusiastic traveler, she is the mother of two young boys.

Jennifer and Suzie have joined forces with Alyson Probst of StarKids Products to form Travelsmart LLC. All three women are determined to make travel an enjoyable, educational experience for all families everywhere.