Built by sitters who knew there had to be a better way.
The Sitter Connection was started by two childhood best friends, Emily Phelps and Lillian Speranza, who both understood the childcare search from the inside.
Emily Phelps and Lillian Speranza founded The Sitter Connection after seeing the same gap from both sides of the childcare experience. Emily is a family physician trained at Georgetown, and Lillian holds a master's degree in social work, with years of experience sitting for families.
They created The Sitter Connection to reduce the friction families and sitters often face — replacing endless posting, searching, and messaging with a more direct way to connect and book care.
Emily & Lillian, co-founders
We built what we wished existed.
For years, families have had to rely on word-of-mouth networks, private sitter lists, Facebook groups, or large marketplace sites where finding care often means posting, messaging, waiting, and starting over again when someone is unavailable.
Sitters face the same friction in reverse. Great caregivers often have to search through scattered posts, manage inconsistent communication, and spend time figuring out which opportunities are the right fit.
The Sitter Connection was created to simplify that process.
Families can browse approved sitters, view availability, and book directly through the platform. Sitters can set their own schedules, receive booking requests from families on the platform, and avoid the back-and-forth that often comes with finding childcare work.
Our goal is simple: less searching, less uncertainty, and a smoother way for families and sitters to connect.
Our Founders
Emily Phelps photo
Emily Phelps
Co-Founder
Emily began babysitting as a teenager before going on to attend Georgetown for undergrad, her master's degree, and medical school. She is now a family doctor, and her experience working with children and families, both in homes and in healthcare, shaped her belief that families need practical, dependable systems of support.
Lillian Speranza photo
Lillian Speranza
Co-Founder
Lillian began sitting in high school and continued through college, graduate school, and after moving to DC. She holds a master's degree in social work and has spent her career focused on programs that support people, families, and communities. Her experience as both a sitter and a systems-builder helped shape The Sitter Connection's focus on clarity, respect, and ease of use.
What we are building.
- ✓A platform that helps families book care with less friction
- ✓A clearer way for sitters and families to connect
- ✓A process that supports direct booking without endless messaging
- ✓A service built with respect for the people providing care
- ✓A better experience for families who need childcare and sitters who want flexible opportunities