Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlo Planas-Sade.
Hi Marlo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a single mom of three, I always knew I wanted something “more”—not just for my own children, but for families in my community. My path has never been conventional. For over 20 years, I worked as a teacher and therapist, supporting children with learning differences and special needs. Whether it was in the classroom, as a consultant for afterschool programs, or working one-on-one with families, I saw firsthand how every child thrives when truly seen and understood.
Homeschooling my three kids opened my eyes even further. I founded and published a home education magazine to empower other families, and I led Tinkergarten outdoor classes, believing in the power of nature and child-led learning. My journey was always about building connection, inclusion, and a sense of possibility for every child.
In 2018, while on a cross-country road trip with my kids, I discovered something that changed everything: hourly, on-demand childcare centers in other states. It was a revelation. Why didn’t Miami have this kind of flexible, trustworthy option for parents—especially those who, like me, needed a village?
That spark became Stop & Play. I poured my experience, my heart, and my dream for “something more” into creating a place where families could find not just care, but community. A place built on understanding, flexibility, and the belief that every child—and every parent—deserves support.
Today, Stop & Play is more than just a business. It’s a living legacy for my children, and a safe, joyful space for families across Miami, and for visitors from around the world. My hope is that every parent who walks through our doors feels a little less alone, and every child feels truly at home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Not even close! Honestly, I joke that I could fill a coffee table book with the stories from this journey—some chapters would make you laugh, others would make you shake your head in disbelief.
When I started Stop & Play, I had all the usual new business owner worries: What if something goes wrong? What if no one shows up? What if I forget to order enough snacks? But I never, ever expected a global pandemic to hit just two months after opening our doors. Talk about a plot twist!
Since then, it’s been a nonstop adventure: from navigating “colorful” parent situations, to the joys (and headaches) of hiring and training staff, to discovering that a dispensary was opening right next to us (yes, really). Throw in the usual economic and global news ups and downs, and every day brings a new challenge—and, thankfully, a new opportunity to learn.
If I’ve gained anything through all this, it’s resilience. In fact, I’m probably more resilient than I ever wanted to be! But through every twist, turn, and unexpected surprise, I’ve learned to laugh, adapt, and keep moving forward. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade this wild ride for anything—because with every challenge, Stop & Play grows stronger, and so do I.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Stop & Play isn’t your typical childcare center—it’s a place built on flexibility, trust, and a deep understanding of what families truly need. We specialize in hourly, on-demand, drop-in childcare, which is a game-changer for busy parents who want safe, quality care without the rigid schedules. We also offer flexible preschool tuition, enrichment classes (from Spanish, Meditation and Mindfulness to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and STEAM!), Saturday workshops, camps, birthday parties, Parents Night Out events, and family events.
What sets us apart? It’s our heart and our philosophy. We blend Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf approaches, focusing on child-led learning, holistic development, and conscious communication. Our team is deeply trained, nurturing, and passionate about creating a safe, joyful, and inclusive environment for every child—whether they’re with us for an hour or a whole year.
We’re known for our flexibility, our community spirit, and the genuine relationships we build with families. We’ve made a name for ourselves in the community as a high-quality preschool and Kindergarten, where over 90% of our graduates move on to Gifted and Advanced classes in their elementary schools!
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Stop & Play is a place where families feel seen and supported, and where kids can truly be themselves. We’re not just filling a childcare gap; we’re creating a community, a village, and a legacy of care.
If you’re looking for a place that understands the realities of modern parenting, that welcomes children with open arms (and open minds), and that believes learning happens everywhere—in the classroom, the playground, and beyond—Stop & Play is here for you. We’re more than a service; we’re a support system.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
No one builds something like Stop & Play alone, and I’m endlessly grateful for the incredible people who have been part of this journey. First and foremost, I have to thank Alan and Karen Rotter. When I first pitched my wild idea for this business, they didn’t just listen—they believed in me, and their support and faith truly helped bring Stop & Play to life. I’ll always be grateful for their encouragement and partnership.
My children have also been my biggest supporters and (sometimes very patient) sidekicks—spending countless hours with me at work as we built, grew, and managed the business together. Their resilience, humor, and love have been a driving force behind everything I do.
And of course, none of this would be possible without my incredible team. Over time, our staff has become more than just coworkers—we’re a family and a support system for each other. Every person here is deeply invested and dedicated, showing up every day with heart, creativity, and a commitment to making Stop & Play the very best childcare option in our community.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to the people. I’m proud and humbled to be surrounded by such a passionate, caring group—our success is truly a team effort, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: thestopandplay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestopandplay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestopandplay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thestopandplaychildcare
- Other: https://tr.ee/NjyERVsEvG
