Caroline grew up in Houston, Texas and earned her undergraduate degree at Duke.  She then went on to earn her business degree at Rice University.  In 1993 she founded and operated Identigene, a company that did DNA identification testing.  In 1997 she sold Identigene to another strategic company in the same space.   She also founded and was CEO of MendelWorks, a DNA lab focused on research scientists who use genetically-engineered mice to do their research and sold it in 2007.

Caroline’s husband, Sam Goodner is also an entrepreneur and was recently interviewed about his business and family in the Austin Business Journal.

Caroline was kind enough to answer some get-to-know-her questions for us:

Q:     What was was the biggest factor influenced your decision to join UpSpring Baby?

A:     The amazingly creative and desirable products and the terrific people.

Q:     What are you most proud of about how UpSpring Baby has developed since you’ve been at the helm?

A:     Launching a new product (Shrinkx Hips) successfully.

Q:     What has been your greatest challenge since you’ve joined UpSpring Baby–something that really forced you to push your own limits?

A:     Learning to work with investors, founders, and other stakeholders.  At my previous companies, I was the sole owner and stakeholder.

Q:     You have two children, ages 6 1/2 and 5).   How has being a mother changed your perception of business and particularly of UpSpring Baby’s mission?

A:     Sam Jackson – age 6 ½ and Catherine – age 5.  Being a mother, I see how practical and beneficial certain products can be for every day use.  While I used to provide a fairly technical scientific service, the products at UpSpring are helpful because they address unmet needs that matter to moms.

Q:     What has been the most rewarding thing about becoming a mother for you?

A:     Watching my kids learn, laugh, and develop their own very distinct personalities.  And hugs and kisses.

Q:     What advice would you give to women who want to balance motherhood with entrepreneurship?

A:      Each woman has to decide for herself what makes her most comfortable as a mother.  Many women choose to stay at home full time – I so respect that.  But for others like me, I feel best when I have the work/entrepreneurship outlet.  I know I’m a better mother when I’m also working, but the balance is never easy.  There are always moments when you wonder if you’re giving enough of yourself at home or at work.

Q:     What is your favorite book to read to your children?

A:     I loved reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to them…it was longer than the typical book we read together, but they had to use their imaginations when picturing the action.  I hope to instill a major love of books in them!

Q:     Do you have any recommendations for books, websites or other resources that have been particularly helpful for you and your husband in your journey through motherhood?

A:      As both of my kids are learning to read, I’ve used Headsprout, an online learning to read video game program that has really helped them improve.  And the parents are very active in helping with the process.

Q:     What is your favorite children’s charity and why?

A:      The Beyond Batten’s Foundation.  It is near and dear to me because a good friend has a child with this horrible disease.  It’s a very rare genetic disorder that is slow and difficult for the patient and the family.  My friends founded the charity and have already done amazing things with it.  I have high hopes that they will meet their mission to eradicate this disease.  Along the way, they will help identify hundreds of other “orphan” (rare) diseases in children with a new test they are developing.  I strongly recommend going to www.beyondbatten.org and if you are as moved as I am, make a donation!  Anything helps.

Q:     What would you like to see from UpSpring Baby as a business in the coming years?

A:     To be known as the leading innovator of consumer products for moms and babies in the health, wellness, and safety areas.

UpSpring Baby’s Momerati is a weekly digest featuring the best of the best from our favorite parenting blogs around the web. If you have a submission/suggestion for next week’s digest, please email amanda@upspringbaby.com.

The Small Fry asks the ever-pertinent question: Does Having a Baby Mean Losing Myself?

Baby Makin(g) Machine is gearing up for the arrival of her little girl with Books, Toys and Snoop (oh my!)

BabyToBeTV reviews the handy-dandy Baby Dipper Bowl.

DadLabs reports on the state of dads in today’s PTA.

Lil Sugar had Five Reasons Mom Should Stop Smoking.  (Do you need more than one?!)

Looking for a fun, whimsical and decorative family project?  Check out Mom4Life’s Family Scrabble Board idea!

Life of Dad takes Baby Babs to the Park.

MomSpark announces the BlogHer ‘10 Forums Opening!

If you missed it, SAHD in Lansing has posted his PodCast featuring Evolution of Dad.

Savvy Sassy Moms is featuring some Sassy Signs for your next event!

Looking for Motivation While Working From Home?  Check out this excellent post on The Work At Home Woman.

DadWagon has written a hilarious commentary on his introduction to American Girl dolls.

Has The Workout Mommy met her match with her new personal trainer?

Today, UpSpring Baby is very excited to giveaway one of our very popular Shrinkx Hips belts.  Shrinkx Hips is a postpartum body-shaper which takes advantage of the hormone Relaxin found in yoLeur body for up to eight weeks after giving birth.  Relaxin keeps joints and ligaments loose, making it easy to guide your hips back into place.  When worn daily, 95% of women who used Shrinkx Hips were able to regain their pre-pregnancy hip size.

And what is even more exciting is this:

Shrinkx Hips is being featured TODAY on the Ellen DeGeneres Show (and modeled byDennis Quaid) as part of their annual

Mother’s Day Giveaway Show!

We could not be more thrilled or excited to be included among the other essential, innovative items that Ellen has personally chosen to give her audience of expecting moms!

Want to win your OWN* Shrinkx Hips belt?

Enter now by leaving a comment telling me the name of one other product besides Shrinkx Hips that Ellen is giving away today.

Learn more about Shrinkx Hips by reading our proven clinical results and watching our video and hearing what REAL MOMS who have used it have to say:

*One entry per person, U.S. residents only

Congratulations to Becky (commentator #3) from yesterday’s giveaway on winning Walking Wings and a copy of Baby 411!

Today’s giveaway is a 12-pack box of Milkscreen, the only home test to detect the presence of alcohol in breast milk and a copy of Baby 411 by Denise Field and Ari Brown, MD.

To enter, leave a comment and let me know what your favorite “adult” beverage is.

Not only will you be entered to win today’s giveaway (winner will be announced here on the blog tomorrow) but you’ll also be entered for our grand prize giveaway on Saturday:

• A 12-pack of Milkscreen ($14.99 value)
• A Shrinkx Hips postpartum belt ($54.99 value)
• A Walking Wings in your choice of pink or blue ($19.99 value)
• An ADVANCED COPY of Expecting 4-1-1 by Dr. Ari Brown ($14.95 value)
• A $50 Gift Card to Babies R’Us

Good luck to one and all!

Stay tuned tomorrow for a very special giveaway

and announcement from UpSpring Baby!

Today’s giveaway is Walking Wings, the toddler walking assistant that provides support and safety for babies who are just learning how to walk–and helps prevent back pain and discomfort for parents who are guiding them as they take their first steps.  Walking Wings is an interactive parent/child tool that is fun to use.

Today’s winner will receive their choice of a pink or blue Walking Wings:

To enter, leave a comment letting me know which color you would prefer if you win.

And when you enter you will be automatically entered to win our grand prize on Saturday:

• A 12-pack of Milkscreen ($14.99 value)
• A Shrinkx Hips postpartum belt ($54.99 value)
• A Walking Wings in your choice of pink or blue ($19.99 value)
• An ADVANCED COPY of Expecting 4-1-1 by Dr. Ari Brown ($14.95 value)
• A $50 Gift Card to Babies R’Us

Good luck!