Advisory Council

At VTech, we know you’re busy raising kids. That’s why we decided to bring the experts to you. The advisors profiled below have offered their time and talent to VTech. Whether it’s technology, child development, or educational toys, the team of specialists we’ve assembled have enabled us to answer your questions and put your concerns to rest.

Cat Schwartz
Cat Schwartz

Early Childhood Development Expert

Cat Schwartz started her career at TechTV as a content producer for the network’s website and was on the forefront of developing new, high-tech ways to distribute TV content over the Web. She then took on the role of producer and on-air contributor for the live, technology-based TV show, The Screen Savers. Schwartz’s experience and high-tech expertise lead her to produce consumer help segments and technical segments for the live computer help show, Call For Help. Over the next three years, she gained the trust of geeks and sheiks alike through her easy-to-understand explanations of gadgets and the Web.


Schwartz became a parent in 2006 and along with her son came a whole new realm of technology and gadgets. Immediately Schwartz discovered a niche in the high-tech parenting space and the HiTechMommy was born soon after. Since then, Schwartz has become a well-known and trusted parenting source through her Web site, HiTechMommy.com and appearances on The Today Show, Live with Regis & Kelly, MSNBC, and CNBC.

Deborah Sharp Libby, Ph.D.
Deborah Sharp Libby, Ph.D.

Early Childhood Language & Reading Expert

A leading expert in reading, Dr. Libby graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a Doctorate in Reading, Language Arts and Children's Literature. She has her Masters in Reading, a Reading Specialist Certificate and a Bachelors degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from The Ohio State University. While working in higher education for 17 years, Dr. Libby taught elementary education courses at The University of Pittsburgh and both undergraduate and graduate courses in topics such as early childhood and elementary reading, language arts and children's literature at Slippery Rock University.


Dr. Libby has worked as an elementary teacher, and as a freelance writer creating teaching guides to accompany reading and science material for elementary classrooms. Currently living outside of Pittsburgh with her husband and three daughters, she works with students in literature groups focusing on comprehension skills and conducts workshops for teachers.

Isabel Kallman, AlphaMom
Isabel Kallman, AlphaMom

Early Childhood Language & Reading Expert

Isabel Kallman is the vivacious creator of AlphaMom.com, an online community aimed at helping balance the everyday stresses of parenting. A mom of one and a leading mommy blogger, Kallman’s influence extends through the social media realm thanks to a strong presence on Twitter and her leading Web site. Her internet efficiency makes her accessible and relatable to the everyday parent, guiding them with advice and answers to the common struggles and questions associated with raising a child.


Isabel is a trusted resource for moms looking for answers in the digital world and has appeared in media such as the Today Show, New York Magazine, USA Today, Chicago Tribune and The New York Post.

Dr. Lynne Kenney , Psy.D.
Dr. Lynne Kenney , Psy.D.

Pediatric Psychologist

As a pediatric psychologist for 15 years, Dr. Lynne Kenney has helped families solve the challenges of childhood. Dr. Kenney, who earned her Doctorate in Psychology from Pepperdine University, is currently a consulting psychologist in Arizona where she works on a multi-disciplinary pediatric team coaching families to live with health and wellness. Dr. Kenney also started The Family Coach, a multimedia franchise that aims to help parents improve their family life and child’s development.


Dr. Kenney is a trusted resource for moms looking to provide a nurturing and educational environment for their children. Through her role as host of the cable show Baby Basics on BabyFirst TV, as a featured writter on TwitterMoms.com and as a frequent expert in Parents Magazine, Dr. Kenney has provided important information to moms across the country. Additionally, Dr. Kenney’s latest book, The Family Coach Method: Raising Good, Kind, Ethical Kids in a Complicated World, will be released in November 2009.