Volunteer Spotlight: Exciting Transitions on the Board of Managers

Thank You to Our Board of Managers – Past and Present!

At GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis, we are incredibly grateful for the unwavering commitment and dedication of our Board of Managers. Each member, both past and present, has contributed countless volunteer hours to advance our mission of fostering global acceptance and providing essential resources to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Our board members have taken on roles that go above and beyond, whether strategizing new programs, engaging with the community, securing funding, or offering invaluable guidance. Every effort put forth is felt by our participants, their families, and our entire GiGi’s community. It’s through their generous donation of time, skills, and passion that our playhouse continues to grow, creating meaningful and transformative experiences for all who walk through our doors.

To each board member—thank you for believing in our mission, for dedicating yourselves to our success, and for making a profound impact in our community. Your commitment to GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis is inspiring, and we are honored to work alongside such extraordinary individuals.

Together, we are changing lives and building a world of acceptance for all.

Thank You, Sarah Brown, for Your Outstanding Leadership and Dedication to GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis!

As Sarah Brown steps down from her two-year term as President of the Board of Managers at GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for her exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to our mission of fostering acceptance and inclusion. We’re thrilled that while Sarah is concluding her role as president, she will continue serving as a member of our Board of Managers, bringing her insight and dedication to the team.

Under Sarah’s leadership, GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis has experienced remarkable growth in its outreach, programming, and community impact. Her hands-on approach and passion for creating inclusive spaces have strengthened existing programs and inspired new ones, providing more opportunities for our participants and families. Sarah’s commitment went beyond strategic guidance; she was always ready to support our team and volunteer at events, embodying the values of GiGi’s Playhouse in everything she did.

We are honored that Sarah will remain part of our organization, helping to guide us toward an even brighter future. Her contributions as president have set a strong foundation, and we look forward to building on the momentum she has created.

Thank you, Sarah, for your dedication and love for GiGi’s Playhouse. We look forward to continuing this journey with you on our Board of Managers!

GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Welcomes New Board President, Jennifer Winslow

GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jennifer (Jenn) Winslow as our new President of the Board of Managers. A dedicated advocate for the Playhouse, Jenn brings both professional expertise and a deep commitment to creating inclusive communities for individuals with Down syndrome.

Originally from Harford County, Jenn moved to Annapolis in 2002 and has since built a rich career in both human resources and special education. She began in HR with companies like Legg Mason, Coca-Cola, and Frito-Lay before shifting her focus to raising her two children, Hannah and Mark. In 2011, Jenn found her calling in special education, working with Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) and the Central Office. Today, she serves as a Behavior Specialist at Central Special School in Edgewater, a developmental center supporting students ages 3-21.

Jenn’s journey with GiGi’s Playhouse began in 2019 when she connected through former students and friends on social media. Starting as a weekly volunteer with participant interns, she soon became a leader within the Fantastic Friends program and eventually joined the Board of Managers as Secretary. Now, as President, Jenn brings her passion for the Playhouse’s mission of acceptance and her close relationships with participants and families to the forefront of her work.

Residing on the Broadneck Peninsula with her son, Mark, and their rescue dog, Lola, Jenn is thrilled to continue supporting GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis alongside her family. Her daughter, Hannah, recently returned to the area as a nurse in the Mother-Baby Unit at Anne Arundel Medical Center, and together, the Winslow family is committed to fostering a more inclusive future for our community.

Please join us in welcoming Jenn as she steps into this new role, leading GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis into its next exciting chapter!

GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Welcomes New Board Member, Donaileen Dondero, Community Outreach Chair

We are thrilled to welcome Donaileen (Doni) Dondero to the GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Board of Managers as our new Community Outreach Chair. A dedicated advocate for individuals with special needs for over 40 years, Doni brings a wealth of experience and passion for education, advocacy, and inclusion to our team.

Doni’s journey in special education advocacy began in Prince George’s County, where, as Chair of the Arc’s education committee, she led impactful changes to the county’s special education curriculum. Her efforts paved the way for a complete overhaul of the program, creating inclusive educational opportunities for students with special needs. Recognized as Volunteer of the Year by The Arc for her commitment, Doni’s advocacy has had a lasting effect on countless students and families.

After relocating to Anne Arundel County, Doni continued her work by coaching a Special Olympics bocce team and volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse. Her recent work with GiGi U sessions in 2024 exemplifies her commitment to using her background as a certified special education teacher to support young adults with Down syndrome in skill-building and career readiness. Additionally, Doni’s professional background in corporate communications, where she held leadership roles in marketing and communications, brings valuable insight and expertise to GiGi’s mission.

Doni’s advocacy has been deeply personal as well. She has continually blazed trails for her daughter Sharon, who was the first child with Down syndrome to participate in several community activities. Her perseverance in advocating for integrated education opportunities allowed special education students to access general education environments—an effort that has positively impacted GiGi’s participants today.

A graduate of the University of Maryland, with further studies at Trinity College and Bowie State University, Doni is a highly respected advocate and community leader. We are excited to have her join our Board and bring her invaluable experience to GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis. Please join us in welcoming Doni as she steps into this new role, championing acceptance and inclusion in our community!

Welcoming Sharon Dondero, Self-Advocate, to the GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Board!

We are thrilled to welcome Sharon Dondero as the newest Self-Advocate on the Board of Managers of GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis. Sharon brings an extraordinary mix of talents, experiences, and advocacy, inspiring all who meet her.

A multi-talented individual, Sharon is actively engaged in her community. She plays bocce with Special Olympics, refines her singing and theater skills with local classes, and channels her creativity into making beautiful wreaths and centerpieces. Through her art, she has raised funds for many organizations, including GiGi’s Playhouse, Opportunity Builders Inc., and her church. Sharon’s artistic contributions even extend to the Annapolis Parks and Recreation, where her wreaths will be displayed and featured at Quiet Waters Annual Meeting.

Beyond her creativity, Sharon has a history of breaking barriers. She has paved the way for individuals with Down syndrome, becoming the first to dance at a local studio, earn badges as a Girl Scout, and serve as an altar server. She has also modeled in fashion shows, performed with South River High School’s choir at Disney World, and appeared as “Miss June” in the 2021 national GiGi’s calendar.

Sharon’s work experience is equally impressive, with roles at Red Lobster, Edgewater Books, and Anne Arundel County Public Schools. As a GiGi’s U graduate, Sharon exemplifies our mission of achievement and acceptance. Known for her thoughtfulness and dedication, Sharon is a true ambassador for people with special needs, and her passion for inclusion shines through in everything she does.

We are honored to have Sharon join our Board, where her voice and experience will be invaluable in furthering our mission of global acceptance and community connection. Please join us in welcoming Sharon Dondero—an incredible self-advocate, artist, and role model.

Welcoming Katie Lewis to the GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Board of Managers!

We are excited to welcome Katie Lewis, an Anne Arundel County native and soon-to-be graduate of the University of South Carolina (USC), to the Board of Managers at GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis. Katie brings with her a wealth of experience, both as a leader within GiGi’s and as a champion of service and philanthropy.

Katie’s commitment to GiGi’s Playhouse began in high school when she joined the GenG Youth Board. Over her three years of service, Katie held the roles of Secretary and then President for two terms. In her senior year, she worked with GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland to establish the National GenG Youth Board in 2021, an accomplishment that has strengthened the organization’s reach and community-building efforts. Today, Katie continues to support the national board as an advisor and facilitator, empowering young advocates to share the message of acceptance and inclusion.

At USC, Katie has expanded her impact in many ways. She has been involved with USC’s Dance Marathon, a major event benefitting children’s hospitals, served as Philanthropy Director for her sorority, Phi Mu, and contributes to fundraising and events for USC’s Men’s Rugby Club. Her background in Sport and Entertainment Management and her dedication to community service make her an exceptional addition to the Board.

We are thrilled to have Katie’s energy, vision, and passion for GiGi’s Playhouse on the Board of Managers. Please join us in welcoming Katie Lewis as she helps lead us into a bright future of growth and inclusion!