{"id":2,"date":"2017-10-06T15:23:04","date_gmt":"2017-10-06T15:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/maimi11\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2026-03-10T19:21:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T23:21:59","slug":"our-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/our-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

Our Team<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\"Megan-Vance-headshot\"\n\t

Megan Vance – Site Director<\/h3>\n

mvance@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Megan Vance has been a lifelong advocate for the Down syndrome community ever since her brother, Liam, was born with Down syndrome in 2001. Reflecting on her childhood, she says, “When you’re five years old, you don’t know what Down syndrome is or what chromosomes are, but I always felt prideful and knew it was something to be celebrated.”<\/p>\n

Her advocacy carried through her college years as a two-time graduate of The Ohio State University. As an undergraduate, she served as president of a student organization focused on promoting inclusion and acceptance of the Down syndrome community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work in 2018 and her master’s degree in 2020. During her graduate studies, Megan deepened her advocacy when she received a scholarship from a family whose daughter, now a dear friend, has Down syndrome. To her delight, she later discovered her friend was involved with GiGi’s Playhouse and dedicated time to learning more about the organization. Having admired GiGi’s Playhouse Canton since its grand opening and following the organization’s journey on social media, she never imagined she would one day be running the place! As a licensed social worker, Megan has experience in the mental health field, mentoring programs, non-profits, and program development.<\/p>\n

Megan is the proud parent of a baby girl named Cecilia, and she cherishes every moment spent with her daughter. Whether it’s playtime, reading, or simply being together, Megan’s greatest joy comes from being a mother. In addition to family time, Megan enjoys painting, baking, and cozying up to watch a good movie. She also has a knack for finding four-leaf clovers and shares her home with five beloved pets!<\/p>\n

Megan’s wish for GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is to\u00a0have our own property where we can build the perfect Playhouse to meet the needs of our community.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Ben-and-Mallory\"\n\t

Ben Hornak, GiGiFIT Coordinator<\/h3>\n

bhornak@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Ben Hornak is a native of Barberton, Ohio and a graduate of the University of Akron. Ben graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Physiology in 2023 and is also a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), as well as a Certified Adaptive Personal Trainer (CAPT) through Strong Education. Ben has a passion for helping others, especially those in the special needs community, as his younger sister, Mallory, was born with Down syndrome. Ben shared, “She has changed my life for the better, and the special needs community will always hold a special place in my heart.\u00a0 No matter your abilities or limitations, everyone deserves a trainer who will work them hard, but also make it an enjoyable experience!”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"christina\"\n\t

Christina\u202f Ziga-Budd, Interim Board President<\/h3>\n

czigabudd@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Christina\u202fZiga-Budd and her husband, Tim, reside in Green with their three daughters McKinley, Reagan and Monroe. \u202f”Our youngest daughter Monroe was born in August 2015.\u202fShe surprised us when she was born with a full head of dark hair and Down syndrome. \u202fWe always say Monroe was not only a gift to us as parents, but she was meant to follow behind her awesome big sisters. They are her best teachers and advocates.”<\/p>\n

Christina is a graduate of Kent State University where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and later got her\u202fmaster’s in Educational Leadership with a Principal’s License and Superintendent’s License. \u202fChristina currently is the Special Education Director in the Springfield\u00a0Local Schools.<\/p>\n

Christina posted on Facebook about Gigi’s Playhouse in February of 2017. \u202fIn March 2017, a group of passionate strangers brainstormed if this was needed in our community. \u202fIt is amazing that it all began in the corner of a Panera!\u202f\u202f”We obviously decided that this was the way to go and was a needed icon in our community! \u202fCome visit us we cannot wait to meet you!”<\/p>\n

One wish Christina has for our Playhouse is to have an enclosed trailer that can haul our event<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"woman\n\t

Jessi Korpi, Board Vice President<\/h3>\n

jkorpi@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Jessica (Jessi) and her husband Fred were born in Colorado and met in college. They married in 2009 and made their way to Missouri in 2011. Jessi is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. They are proud parents of 3 OHIO children, Blaiden, Adilene, & Kallie. During their second pregnancy they learned that they had a beautiful girl with Down syndrome. Jessi looked for resources and support and found comfort in the love of GiGi’s Playhouse. When she learned Canton was opening a GiGi’s Playhouse, she was immediately enthused and has been involved since it opened!<\/p>\n

Adilene was diagnosed with cancer just before her 2nd birthday. “Without the love, support, and the absolute unrelenting strength our family would not have survived.” – Fred. Adilene is not only cancer free but has prospered! Jessi is a rock and anchor for the entire family. Since that day she has been raising a beautiful family and devoting her life to improving Adilene’s life and the lives of every parent and child with Down syndrome.<\/p>\n

Jessi wishes to have a dropdown projector at the Playhouse to use for new family and volunteer orientations.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Steven\n\t

Steven Hykes, Treasurer\u00a0<\/h3>\n

shykes@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Steven Hykes grew up with family friends who had a daughter with Down syndrome, which gave him a small glimpse into the future when he and his wife Aidelni (eye-dell-knee) learned early into their pregnancy their daughter Zo\u00eb was highly likely to be born with Down syndrome. Zo\u00eb has been a bright light for their family of 5 and keeps her two older sisters on their toes. Zo\u00eb was born in Tucson, Arizona and there was a lot of non-profit and government support for families of children with Down syndrome but no GiGi’s Playhouse in that area. When they moved to Phoenix a few years later, Steven and his family discovered GiGi’s Playhouse and loved that there was an intentional community of parents with a lot of wisdom to share and guide each other forward. When Steven and his family decided to move to northeast Ohio, GiGi’s Playhouse was central in the decision of which community they wanted to call home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Steven graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and started his career in public accounting in New York and Chicago before moving to Arizona in 2010. During his time in Arizona, he worked for Tucson Unified School District; United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona; and Academies of Math and Science, a charter school network, where he leads their finance and growth teams. Steven currently works remotely in Ohio for Academies of Math and Science and is an inactive Certified Public Accountant. Steven joined the GiGi’s Playhouse Canton board not only because his family is a part of the GiGi’s community, but because he knows how important it is to have financial expertise on a non-profit board.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

If Steven could wish for one thing for GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, it would be to someday have a new GiGi’s building (rent free) that had a dedicated space for all of GiGi’s menu of program offerings, including a a GiGi’s Studio Caf\u00e9<\/a> space and GiGiU<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Genny\"\n\t

Genny Blair, Secretary<\/h3>\n

gboja@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Genevieve (Genny) became involved in the Down syndrome community when the family she babysat for had a beautiful daughter with Down syndrome, named Monroe, to round out their wonderful family. Since the first GiGi’s start-up meeting in a Panera, Genny has been committed to changing the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Genny\u202fgraduated from the University of Akron with her Bachelor’s in Child and Family Development. She currently works as an elementary teacher at The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children, working primarily with students on the Autism spectrum.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Genny\u202fwas a part of the Start-up Committee and currently sits on the program committee and the marketing committee (as the fastest proofreader in the East) for GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. “This whole journey has been so\u202fwonderful,\u202fand I’ve learned so much. Finally having this dream come true for so many people is one of the most spectacular things I will ever be a part of.”\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

If she could have one item for the Playhouse, it would be a large sensory tube<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Malik-headshot\"\n\t

Malik Danzy, Ambassador<\/h3>\n

mdanzy@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Malik Danzy was born with Down syndrome in 2004 and has excelled in life since the beginning. He attended a daycare that encouraged his strengths rather than differences, and it was because of this Malik has strived to break many barriers. Malik is a graduate of Tusky Valley Schools and studied Hospitality at Buckeye Career Center. During his time in high school, Malik served as varsity basketball manager and earned his varsity letter. Malik was selected by his peers to prom court and was graciously crowned Prom King for his senior class.<\/p>\n

Malik is enrolled in the Siffrin Academy program to gain additional skills to transition from high school to employment. He focuses on classroom academics and volunteer job skills in the community. Outside of Siffrin, he is active within the community. He swims for Stark Sharks Special Olympics swim team; He earned the Special Olympics Swimmer of the Year in 2022 through the Stark County Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame. He is involved in his church and serves as an usher, reads scripture during worship service and visits the shut-in singing songs for uplifting and encouragement. Malik volunteers with Compassioned Delivered, a free meal service program for individuals dealing with life threatening or terminal illness. In this role, he has connected with many families.\u00a0 Keeping fit is important and he works out several times a week. Besides swimming he participates in a drum fitness class at his local YMCA. He also is active with the GiGiFIT<\/a> class at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton and participates in fundraising events as his way to give back – His favorite event is Putts and Pints for a Purpose<\/a> fundraiser.<\/p>\n

Music has been a significant part of Malik’s life beginning with his first drum set at five years old. This love of music continues with perfecting his skills and jamming to Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars. As with most young adults he also enjoys playing Xbox in his spare time. Malik resides with his mom, dad, dog Molly and cat Bella. He has a strong love for his immediate family which includes an adult brother and sister. This love does stop there. Fortunately, extended family is local and he visits his aunts, uncle and cousins regularly. He especially looks forward to annual vacations with all his cousins.<\/p>\n

Malik is excited and honored to be a member of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton’s board of directors. His wish for the center is to acquire a bigger building that has a gymnasium to play basketball, fitness and music classes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Bennett_Sara_LI_640x640\"\n\t

Sara Bennett, Board Member<\/h3>\n

sbennett@gigisplayhouse.org<\/p>\n

Sara Bennett and her husband, Casey,\u00a0reside\u00a0in Plain Township with their daughter, Maia. They met in Washington, DC and lived in DC and Maryland before moving to Ohio in 2024 to be closer to family and have more resources and support for Maia. Maia’s Down syndrome diagnosis after birth came as a surprise, and they have loved becoming a part of such a wonderful community. Like another board member, GiGi’s Playhouse Canton was part of why they chose to move to the Canton area. Their loving and supportive extended family was the other main reason. Sara knew that the combination would enrich all of their lives in many ways.<\/p>\n

Maia is certainly thriving in Ohio! Maia’s bright and lively personality brings joy to all who meet her. Maia is endlessly curious and\u00a0hardworking, always looking for new adventures and fun.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sara is a graduate of Kent State University and American University Washington College of Law.\u00a0She’s\u00a0currently a Partner in the Ann Arbor office of Varnum LLP, where she works with the transportation sector, with particular focus on automated vehicle companies.\u00a0She’s\u00a0also passionate about civil rights, especially the rights of people with disabilities. Two quotes exemplify Sara’s stance:\u00a0<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. “Accessibility and inclusion are not privileges; they arefundamental\u00a0human rights. A society that excludes disabled people is a society that disables them.”\u00a0
    \n– Judith Heumann\u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. “Freedom is never granted: It is won. Justice is never given: It isexacted.”\u00a0
    \n– A. Philip Randolph\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Sara’s with for\u00a0GiGi’s Playhouse Canton\u00a0is to\u00a0acquire\u00a0its own rent-free space, customized to the Playhouse’s unique needs, so that more funding can go towards the amazing programs that it offers the community.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Peggy-Fryan\"\n\t

    Peggy Fryan, Board Member<\/h3>\n

    pfryan@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

    Peggy Fryan has been a Jackson Township resident with her husband, Ray, since the early 1980’s. Their children, RJ and Brigitte, are both engaged and have also made their homes in the Jackson community. Peggy is a graduate of Kent State University, where she earned a degree in business management. She has applied her education and leadership skills to a wide range of community service efforts, including Girls on the Run, the Pregnancy and Parenting Center, and various church leadership roles.<\/p>\n

    Peggy is an active member of the running community, competing in races up to and including marathons, and sees the running community as a place where people belong. She believes her calling has always been to make her piece of the world a better place, and that piece has expanded over her 40+ years in the community. Peggy feels that her role is to help those who need support, understanding, and compassion, which led to her involvement with GiGi’s Playhouse, as several of Peggy’s friends have children with Down syndrome. Seeing these friends advocate for their children inspired Peggy to help change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all.<\/p>\n

    Peggy’s wish list for the Playhouse is to acquire our own space, rent free.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"logan-cropped\"\n\t

    Logan Nimick, Board Member<\/h3>\nLogan graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern Maine with dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Business Analytics. During his studies, he was selected as a Maine
    \nPolicy Scholar, where he researched how information and financial resources are distributed to
    \nsmall businesses and startups across the state. He presented his findings to State
    \nRepresentatives, University faculty, and at an academic conference in Montreal. His work was
    \nlater published in the Journal of Applied Business and Economics.\nLogan began\u00a0his career as a Financial Advisor in Atlanta, Georgia, working closely with clients to help them pursue their financial goals. Logan brings a combination of analytical\u00a0expertise,
    \nentrepreneurial experience, and community-focused leadership to his work as an Investment
    \nAdvisor and his role on the board of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton.\n

    Logan’s wish for GiGi’s Playhouse is to see public and corporate support grow until every community has a Playhouse.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Jess-Schering\"\n\t

    Jessica Schering, Board Member<\/h3>\n

    As a dedicated Financial Representative,\u00a0I’m\u00a0driven by a passion for empowering individuals and families to achieve financial freedom. With\u00a0a strong foundation\u00a0in finance and a proven\u00a0track record\u00a0of success,\u00a0I’ve\u00a0dedicated myself to helping clients from all\u00a0walks of life\u00a0build a brighter financial future.<\/p>\n

    Outside of work, you can find me cheering on my children, Cash and Kendall, at their sports events or enjoying quality time with my family in the great outdoors – hiking, riding, or simply sitting by a campfire. My husband and I are also proud members of the Perry Youth Football Board and actively support local youth basketball initiatives.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Our Team Megan Vance – Site Director mvance@gigisplayhouse.org Megan Vance has been a lifelong advocate for the Down syndrome community ever since her brother, Liam, was born with Down syndrome in 2001. Reflecting on her childhood, she says, “When you’re five years old, you don’t know what Down syndrome is or what chromosomes are, but…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/canton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}