Our Team
Marie Myers – Board President (Co-Founder)
Marie and her husband Tommie have a blended family of five beautiful daughters with ages ranging from 31 years old to 5 years old. Their youngest daughter Cameron-Jean (CJ) is rocking an extra chromosome. Marie became aware of CJ's Down Syndrome diagnosis through early prenatal testing. Having no experience and very little knowledge of Down Syndrome, she spent the duration of her pregnancy soaking up information. Her goal was to ensure CJ was given every opportunity to live her best life. Marie is a fervent advocate for acceptance and inclusion for her daughter and other individuals with Down Syndrome. She strongly believes that acceptance and inclusion are personal rights of all people, regardless of ability level. She has always been passionate about advocating for children in need. Marie served as volunteer guardian ad litem for children in foster care due to abuse and neglect. Additionally, she led several community service projects assisting low-income schools and families. Marie has an associate degree in paralegal studies from Midland Technical College and a bachelor’s in business administration from Drexel University. She is a Senior Project Coordinator for Johnson Controls Fire Protection.
T Beck – Board Vice President
T is a mother of 4. Her youngest daughter Katie has Down Syndrome. Katie’s arrival introduced her family to a whole new world. T quickly became Katie’s biggest advocate; pushing the boundaries to help Katie reach her goals. Through a lot of hard work, Katie was able to realize her dream of college… Go Tigers!! T has held several positions in the local Down Syndrome Association over the years. T has been active in the Special Olympics community coaching bowling and most recently basketball. T has an MBA from Southern Wesleyan University. She currently works in Human Resources / Training.
Kim Jenkins – Board Treasurer (Co-Founder)
Kim Jenkins is an accountant by trade with a passion for creating awareness and supporting inclusion for the Down Syndrome community. This passion was brought to light after she gave birth to her daughter, Charlotte, in January of 2020. Before learning of Charlotte's prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome, Kim had extremely limited knowledge and awareness of Down syndrome, and while she still has much to learn, she enjoys sharing her family's journey with friends and acquaintances. Kim graduated from The University of North Carolina-Wilmington with a Master of Science in accountancy in 2011. She has worked in both the public accounting and private internal audit industries before settling in her current industry of captive insurance in 2015.
Michelle Tonkonogy – Board Secretary
Michelle moved to Charleston in January 2021 after needing a change post-pandemic and has no plans of leaving Charleston! Michelle graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2019 with a degree in Psychology and Childhood Studies. Throughout her life, Michelle has been actively involved with numerous philanthropic organizations and has always found herself back working with individuals with disabilities. In college, Michelle founded her University’s chapter of Best Buddies, as well serving as the local coordinator for a Special Olympics program. During this time, Michelle grew close friendships with many individuals but one in particular changed her life. She became fast friends with Amanda, who is a woman in her late twenties with Down Syndrome. Michelle and Amanda have been best friends for 8 years and continue to talk daily about all things Taylor Swift. Michelle is excited to join Gigi’s and help bring this amazing organization to Charleston.
Lynze Sike – Board Member (Co-Founder)
Lynze is a devoted wife and mother of two girls, Mati and Carly. She has always had a love and passion for individuals with special needs. While studying Special Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, she became an active member of the Beyond Academics program. This amazing program's volunteers educate and mentor young men and women with special needs. In her position as a mentor, she taught these men and women important life skills and helped them with attending college classes with their typical peers. After college, Lynze had a career shift and ended up working in the hospitality industry for several years. She held management roles in fine dining establishments, and she also helped bring a new restaurant concept to life before starting her dream job as a stay-at-home mom. The news of Carly's prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome was undoubtedly shocking, but believing everything happens for a reason, Lynze knew that this was a calling. This would be her life's calling. She has a deep love for advocating, educating, and meeting wonderful people within the community. Bringing a GiGi's Playhouse to Charleston is what this momma feels she was destined to do to make her mark in the world. She hopes that Gigi's of Charleston can become a home away from home for our local community. Here, everyone will be accepted and adored for who they are, not by how many chromosomes they may have.
Brian Hartmann – Board Member
Brian Hartmann is a founding partner of Granite Bridge Wealth Management with more than 20 years of business experience, including an early career in e-commerce, and subsequent years building a financial advisory practice at a prominent financial institution. His experience inspired him to bring his practice to an independent platform, where he serves families across the country. In addition to his role within GiGi's Playhouse of Charleston, Brian's board experience includes roles as Chairman of the Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Hospital Foundation Board, Member of Royal Alliance Associated National Advisory Board and he currently serves as a board member of Osaic's National Advisory Board.
George Ramsay – Board Member
George Ramsay was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He is currently a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Capasso Planning Partners. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Finance and Management. He then furthered his education at the College of Charleston earning his MBA. He has served in multiple positions on executive committees including President of the Professional Palmetto Society of Charleston. His uncle, George Philp Ramsay Jr., had Down Syndrome and recently passed away in 2019 at the age of 58. When he was born in 1961, his parents were advised to leave him in the hospital as he would be a tremendous burden to their family and never be able to contribute to society. Despite that advice, they refused to do so and brought George home. They raised him seamlessly with their three other children and committed themselves to fiercely advocate for the mentally disabled. They began by seeking out other families who faced the same challenges and realized they were not alone. These families started the first special needs kindergarten in the state, where George Jr. was in the first class. George Jr. participated in the Special Olympics and went on to serve on the South Carolina Special Olympics Board of Directors. George is excited to be a part of this great organization and follow in his Grandparent’s footsteps advocating and increasing the options for families.
Breana Crenshaw – Site Manager
Breana Crenshaw is the passionate new Site Manager at GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston and a proud mother to Hunter, a lively 2-year-old with Down syndrome. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in General Education, Breana also holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling, where she honed her strong advocacy skills.
When she received Hunter’s prenatal diagnosis, Breana took time to process and, in doing so, discovered her purpose: to advocate for children and families like hers. This calling led her to GiGi’s Playhouse, where she aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission to change the way society views Down Syndrome.
As the first point of contact for both new and returning families, Breana’s warmth, commitment, and enthusiasm make her an indispensable member of the GiGi’s Playhouse community, always striving to create a welcoming environment where families feel supported and empowered.
Peggy Senesac – Marketing Committee Chair
Peggy is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband, Chris, have two married sons and two young granddaughters. Peggy has always had a deep passion for advocating for individuals who may face challenges in voicing their needs or concerns. Her dedication to supporting families with Down syndrome began over four decades ago, with the birth of her nephew, Michael. Witnessing his active and fulfilling life, she saw firsthand the powerful impact of advocacy.
When Peggy learned that GiGi’s Playhouse was coming to Charleston, she was excited to get involved, especially since Michael had participated in the very first GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Volunteering has always been a priority for Peggy, and she spent many years volunteering with the Charleston Area Senior Citizens, eventually joining their Board of Directors.
After recently retiring from a 23-year career as a senior data analyst at GHX, Global Healthcare Exchange, Peggy is thrilled to now have the time to dedicate to meaningful projects like GiGi’s Playhouse.
Sally Bunting – Family Connections Committee Chair
Sally is a Charleston-based professional artist and mother who has turned her personal journey into a mission to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome in Charleston and across South Carolina.
Originally from Greenville, SC, Sally moved to Charleston in 2008 to attend the College of Charleston, earning degrees in International Business and Arts Management, with minors in International Studies and Studio Art.
After receiving a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis for her son, James, Sally dedicated herself to fostering understanding and inclusion for the special abilities' community. She authored and successfully championed James' Law (SB4597), which was passed in 2022 to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in organ transplant decisions.
Through her work with GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston, Sally continues to raise awareness and provide support for families navigating Down syndrome.
As an artist, Sally creates bold, whimsical mixed media pieces that explore themes of growth and nature, while balancing her roles as a mother of three, wife, and advocate.
Dave Moehlman, Board Member
Dave and his family migrated from Houston, TX in 2017 to Daniel Island and have never looked back. Dave and his wife Millie have 3 children and welcomed their first grandson in 2023. Down syndrome was not even on the radar when their son Alex was born in 2008 as it came as a huge surprise but hidden blessing. Alex had open heart surgery at 4 months of age and rebounded exceptionally well, turning into a great athlete and constant entertainer for family and friends. Dave has spent most of his career in Sales and Marketing working for start-ups and billion-dollar organizations. During his free time Dave enjoys boating with the family, golfing and is a long-suffering follower of Texas A&M Football