Faculty
Brenda Mott
Brenda's not ashamed to admit that she was completely unprepared for motherhood when her first child was born 15 years ago. She had no experience with infants, moved to a new city eight months pregnant, with no built in support system, and was back at work five weeks after having her baby! After years of research, reading, learning from other moms and lots of trial and error, she became the go-to-mom for parenting advice and information. If she didn't know the answer, she knew where to find it. These were the humble beginnings of Smart Mom University.Like every mom, Brenda loves to tell everyone how amazing her three kids are. And they really are, but it didn't come without a lot of effort, boundaries, consistency and love. Raising the kids has been easier with her husband who is incredibly supportive and takes an active part in their kids' lives. Together they make a great team and enjoy watching their children become fantastic human beings...okay, with some rough spots along the way!
Prior to founding Smart Mom University, Brenda taught elementary school around the country, worked as a corporate trainer and technical writer, children's museum program director, mom consultant, and as a consumate volunteer in the community and her children's schools. Each chapter of her life and the wonderful women and moms she has met along the way are the foundation of Smart Mom University.
Dr. Kanner is a Licensed Clinical Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychologist and Psychoanalyst with a full time private practice in Rancho Santa Fe, California. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at U.C. San Diego and a Clinical Instructor and Supervisor at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Recently, he has become the Director of Clinical Counseling for La Jolla Country Day School and has been named to the National Board of Directors for KidsKorps, USA. He continues as a Consultant for many public and private schools in San Diego and has also received distinguished teaching awards over the past seven years. He is a published author and a sought after speaker on topics pertaining to childhood, adolescence, and parenthood. Dr. Kanner also has his own website, Kanner.TV. His website gives monthly parenting tips, has weekly blogs and a Kids Corner for kids to write their own blogs on what is going on in their lives. He is also presently writing a book for Fox based on his show, Your Family Matters.
Gretchen Stout is the mother of 3 fantastic boys. She strives to encourage balance in her sons' lives through school, church, sports and music.
Pamela Shinkle is a former elementary school teacher and now spends her time raising her 4 sweet boys & 1 really happy girl. Pam loves to laugh, soak up each blessed moment- the good, bad, and ugly -with each child, and survive the chaos with God’s help.