About Play & Gather
A community built on play, connection, and the belief that no mom should ever have to navigate motherhood alone.
Meet the Founder
Hi, I'm Kaden!
I'm a mom to two amazing kids — Carter (3.5) and Quinn (11 months) — and I was born and raised right here in Arizona. When I became a first-time mom, I also left my corporate 9-to-5 job. And honestly? It felt like I lost my identity overnight.
So much of who I was had been tied to my career, and suddenly I was navigating this entirely new world of motherhood — feeling isolated, nervous, and constantly questioning myself. Even though I'd been taking care of kids most of my life, I didn't feel competent or confident in my own mothering abilities. I felt clueless, and I didn't really know who to go to. I craved community. I craved connection with other women who understood.
Creating my own community in motherhood has been truly life-changing. And that's exactly why I started Play & Gather — because I want to help other moms find that same sense of belonging. Or better yet, I want to provide it for them.
The Why
Why Play & Gather Exists
I started Play & Gather because I wanted to create a community. A community of mothers who need a village. Moms who want to do all of the fun, seasonal activities with their kids but maybe don’t have the bandwidth to plan and prep it all themselves.
I wanted to provide a place where moms and their kids can just come, be themselves, enjoy thoughtfully planned activities — and leave feeling seen, heard, and accepted. My hope is that every mom who walks through the door walks away with something special: a new friend, a happy memory with their child, or just the simple feeling of not being alone.
“No one should ever have to feel alone in motherhood. We were not meant to walk this season alone. It truly takes a village.”
Planning, prepping, hosting, and making people feel special is truly a love language for me. I love showing up for people, making them feel at home, and allowing them to leave with happy memories and a few less stresses than when they arrived. Motherhood needs more of feeling special — and I want to be a part of making that happen.
I also really love doing fun, seasonal activities and crafts with my own kids. I hope that when Carter and Quinn grow up, they remember how I made every day feel special — always finding something to celebrate, always giving them a childhood full of memories, love, and intentionality. If I can create that same feeling for other children and their mothers, that would be a highlight of my life.
Themed Activities
Crafts, sensory play & more
Coffee Bar
For the moms
Toddler-Led Play
At their own pace
Real Community
Friends who get it
Our Values
The heart behind everything we do.
Intentional Play
Every activity is thoughtfully planned to encourage creativity, curiosity, and imagination. From sensory bins to seasonal crafts, each element is designed with little ones in mind — and prepped so moms don't have to.
Genuine Connection
Motherhood was never meant to be done alone. We create space for real friendships to form — between kids and between moms. The coffee bar, the conversation, the community — it all matters.
Inclusive Community
Every family is welcome at Play & Gather. We celebrate differences, embrace imperfection, and believe that every mom deserves to feel seen, heard, and accepted exactly as she is.
What to Expect
Every playdate is a morning designed for both kids and moms.
Themed Activities
Every playdate features a planned craft activity tied to our monthly theme — like painting flower pots, making charm bracelets, or decorating Valentine bags. Activities are designed for little hands and big imaginations.
Sensory Exploration
Our signature sensory tables are always a hit! From 'snow' bins to pot-of-gold treasures, each one is carefully created to engage little ones in tactile, imaginative play.
Caregiver Connection
While the kids play, caregivers get to breathe. Our coffee bar and comfortable setup give you space to connect with other moms, share stories, and build real friendships.
Thoughtful Snacks
Every playdate includes themed snacks for the kids and a full coffee bar for the grown-ups. We always consider allergies and aim to make everyone feel included.
Looking Ahead
The Vision
Play & Gather is just getting started. Right now, my focus is on building a strong foundation — a community of families who show up for each other, support each other, and do life together. But I see so much potential for what this can become.
Moms-only events. Sensory kits and planned activities that families can enjoy at home. Maybe even an indoor play cafe someday. The dream is big, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes us. But no matter how Play & Gather grows, the heart will always stay the same: creating a space where moms feel less alone and kids get to just be kids.
4+
Playdates Hosted
100+
Families
4
Themed Events
Ready to Join the Village?
Come see what Play & Gather is all about. We can't wait to gather and play with you.