Meet The Team

About 805 Kids

Welcome to 805 Kids, a welcoming, community‑driven space created to make life a little easier, more connected, and more supported for families across the Central Coast!

805 Kids is a growing online directory designed to help parents and caregivers quickly find trusted local programs, services, and support for children and families, all in one place. From camps and classes to activities, events, and family‑focused services, our goal is to be the place families turn to first when they’re looking for resources for their kids.

Built by Moms, for Families

805 Kids was founded by local mom and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Kari Van Bebber, alongside founding team partner Pia Gillan. It was born from lived experience, deep friendship, and a shared belief that parenting is easier, and better, when we support one another.

Kari’s connection to the Central Coast runs deep. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she studied Child Development and quickly fell in love with the region, knowing even then that she would one day return. After spending more than a decade living and working in San Francisco, she moved back to the Central Coast, returning to Santa Barbara, her late husband’s hometown, just 30 days before the birth of their son. That full‑circle journey, rooted in education, family, and community, helped shape the vision behind 805 Kids and Kari’s desire to create a centralized, trusted resource for families.

A Friendship at the Heart of It

What began as one mom’s idea has naturally grown into a team effort rooted in friendship and shared experience. Kari is joined by Pia Gillan, a local mom who moved to Santa Barbara from Seattle. The two met when their children were in the same daycare and have been raising their kids side by side ever since, supporting one another through the everyday realities of motherhood, community life, and all the seasons in between.

Our Mission

Together, we are building 805 Kids to be the trusted directory and go‑to resource for all things kids across the 805. Whether you’re new to the area, looking for enrichment opportunities, navigating changing schedules, or simply wondering what’s available for your child locally, we want 805 Kids to help you feel informed, supported, and connected.

As mothers ourselves, we bring deep empathy, lived experience, and a genuine understanding of how meaningful community support can be. Everything we build is shaped by real conversations with parents, educators, and local providers, ensuring that 805 Kids reflects the true needs of families in our region.

Join the Community

805 Kids is built by the community, for the community. We invite families, educators, child practitioners, and local businesses to help shape the directory, by becoming members. Providers create a listing and share your resources and families join to show you want to see this build! We’re so glad you’re here! We are excited to see all the ways 805 Kids can grow and support our 805 families! 

To get involved, sign up from the shop or homepage and follow us on Instagram @805kidssb.