Hilary Zalon: Founder & President Hilary Zalon is the founder and president of The Cradle, the first-of-its-kind lifestyle destination focused solely on expectant and new moms from pre-conception to baby’s first birthday. As an expectant mom, Hilary turned to the Internet looking for a central place for helpful and relevant information. Not only did the web lack such a resource, the multiple destinations available seemed to be a bit of everything to everyone. By nature an avid researcher, Zalon sifted through all of these sites to find useful tools, resources, and articles. She finally decided that there had to be a better way for modern parents to navigate this new world. Hilary started The Cradle in 2007 as a central online location specifically for expectant and new moms; a home base during this particular life stage that would address both their practical and emotional needs. Hilary’s goal: create a place for expectant parents to feel at home during this new journey and not overwhelmed by data-driven websites. The Cradle provides engaging content, product information, and tools to help expectant parents enthusiastically embrace this life transition, along with a robust social networking section designed to be more private and less intrusive than other current online communities. The site also features the Web’s first section devoted to ‘Eco-Cradle’ living, including simple steps to green your home while expecting. The site’s distinctive resources allow this audience to ‘park’ themselves in one place, as opposed to visiting various sites to satisfy all their needs, delivered in a smart, sophisticated, and stylish way for today’s expectant parent. As president of The Cradle, Hilary oversees the company’s creative and business functions, including the around-the-clock role of executive producer for the site. Hilary brings a strong interactive media pedigree to The Cradle. Prior to founding the company, she was an executive with some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Virgin Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Sony Music Group. At Virgin, Hilary oversaw the entire Radio Free Virgin website, including channels for leading recording artists U2, Sheryl Crow, Peter Gabriel, Alanis Morrisette and Garbage. She also managed the partnership with the Delta Blues Museum, which included a fully interactive online tour of the history of the blues. Hilary received her BA from Lafayette College. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. They are expecting an addition (another girl!) this June.
Laurie Grossman: Content Director Laurie serves as the Content Director for The Cradle where her focus in on creating fresh and relevant content for all things pertaining to pregnancy and new parenthood. Prior to The Cradle, she had a colorful career, including touring the country as a singer and bassist for a pop-folk duo for many years. She then translated her songwriting skills into a position as a writer/researcher for the Fine Living Channel, focusing on the Need to Know segment, which could be seen both online and on television. Born in Connecticut, Laurie earned her BA in Telecommunications at Indiana University. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two children.
Justin Hayes: Director of Technology Justin’s mission as the Director of Technology at The Cradle is to develop software and technical strategy to match the creative vision set forth by the site’s editorial team.  He is also responsible for coordinating and implementing new features and updates, managing day-to-day operations, and addressing any technical issues as they arise.  At The Cradle, Justin enjoys taking on the technical challenges of maintaining and improving a complicated software application in a vital and rapidly changing market.    Prior to joining The Cradle, Justin was an Information Technology consultant for various organizations, including the FBI and High Performance Technologies, Inc.  His specialization was primarily in software and database development, including J2EE development, database design and management, high-level technical strategizing, software engineering, and IT instruction.    Justin also dedicates his time and skills to several volunteer organizations, including Voices on the Border. Pro Mujer, and the Tsunami Volunteer Center.  His volunteer expeditions have taken him to Bolivia and Thailand, where, among other duties, he has conducted training classes, created manuals, and helped keep monkeys out of the computer room.