Our Team
Grace Glenny, Site Coordinator
Grace joined GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago as Site Coordinator in October 2019. Since then, she has been busy learning everything there is to know about managing a non-profit organization. Grace is involved with all aspects of the Chicago Playhouse, from everyday operations, community outreach, event planning, marketing, grant writing and fundraising.
Grace’s love for adventure brought her to Chicago where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing at Columbia College in 2016. During college, she continued her adventures in yachting, working for Chicago Yacht Club’s communications department. She has participated in major sailing regattas including the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Chicago, Chicago Race to Mackinac and R2AK (Race to Alaska), where she spent a month traveling along the British Columbian coastline and filming daily. Grace enjoys sailing, cooking new recipes, traveling and camping in Northern Michigan with her family. Her biggest love and supporter is her younger brother Charlie (26) who has Down syndrome.
Jennifer Puma, Operations Assistant
Jennifer began volunteering at the Chicago Playhouse in early 2019, where she participated in tutoring and teen programs. Her passion for community service led her to the Playhouse. In 2020, we were thrilled to have her join our staff as Program Coordinator.
Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy at DePaul University. In 2023, she assumed the role of Operations Assistant. Her free time is spent exploring different coffee shops and with her son Joel, her family, and friends.
Nillam Raja, Program Coordinator
Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Nillam and her family made Chicago their new home in November 2021. With a background in Hospitality and Business Management from Leicester College in the United Kingdom, Nillam brings a unique skill set to our team. Her dedication to the community is evident through her volunteer work as a board member at North Center Neighbors Association (NCNA) and her love for service. Nillam is not only passionate about yoga and Pilates but also about fostering equality and inclusivity.
She’s also a professional makeup artist, having had the opportunity to work in the film industry in Cape Town, South Africa, where she served as a lead makeup artist specializing in special effects makeup on set. Her journey with GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago began as a volunteer in the Literacy Program, where she was inspired by the organization’s mission of acceptance for all. Nillam is excited to apply her skills, share her knowledge, and learn from our community, and she can’t wait to be a part of this incredible global organization.
Ashley Bowman, Board President
Ashley got involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago when her daughter, Lily, was born in 2018 with an at birth diagnosis of Down syndrome. GiGi’s has given her family such an amazing community and home, so when asked to join the Board it was a quick and easy, YES!
Ashley looks forward to welcoming and helping new families at the Chicago Playhouse. Ashley has a Stage Management BFA from Northern Kentucky University and is currently working as an Executive Assistant to the COO, CIO & VP of Franchising at Potbelly Sandwich Works. She lives in the Albany Park area with her Partner (Sean) of 10 years+ and daughter (Lily).
Beau Bates, Playhouse Vice President, Facilities Chair
Beau has worked in architectural design, general contracting, and recycling. This is his eighth year as a Board member of the Chicago Playhouse and before that facilities committee volunteer. As our current location evolves, he is committed to presenting a bigger, better, and even more enriching experience at the Playhouse for our participants and their families.
Beau, his wife Janis, and family Georgia, Ella, and Ian, live in Lincoln Square. Ian (17) has been a big beneficiary of Chicago Playhouse programs, met many friends, and loves attending the parties and special events there.
Beau graduated from the University of Denver and University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. He and his family love Chicago and all it has to offer. During his free time, Beau enjoys the outdoors, running, skiing, or biking.
Lillie Honeychuck, Treasurer
Lhoneychuck@gigisplayhouse.org
Lillie first got involved with GiGi's Chicago in 2022 and has since served on several event committees, the finance committee, and is a 1:1 math tutor. She has a brother with Down syndrome and quickly connected with GiGi's mission and the supportive community of volunteers and families at GiGi's Chicago.
Lillie is originally from York, Pennsylvania but has been living in Chicago since 2016. She has a degree in applied math and works as an actuary in the health insurance industry. She loves spending lazy mornings with her husband & daughter, going to improv shows, and traveling to visit friends and family.
Cheryl Bane, Board Secretary
Cheryl Bane lives in Lincoln Park with her husband and daughter Quincy, 26. Her son is an engineer living in Minneapolis. Cheryl has a BA in Economics from Connecticut College and an MBA from Indiana University and has worked in Human Resources Management for a variety of Fortune 500 companies.
Cheryl’s daughter Quincy has enjoyed GiGi's Playhouse programs since age 5, when the Hoffman Estates location first opened over 20 years ago. Quincy now runs the popular weekly program “Fantastic Friends” for the Chicago Playhouse’s young adults. Cheryl is excited to help the Chicago Playhouse expand its programming for young adults with Down syndrome, helping to equip them to live and work as independently as possible. Cheryl’s hobbies include running, natural health, and paddling with the Adaptive Adventures dragon boat team.
Anna Machuga, Communications Co-Chair
Anna first got involved with our Chicago Playhouse in early 2020 when she completed her doctoral capstone experience at our Playhouse, as part of her occupational therapy degree from Rush University. She piloted a career exploration program and implemented internships at the Playhouse for our young adult participants. She has presented her research findings at three occupational therapy conferences to spread knowledge surrounding community-based occupational therapy services for individuals with Down syndrome. Anna loved her time at the Playhouse and formed so many amazing relationships with the participants, families, and staff that she was thrilled to be able to join the board upon graduation.
Anna works as a pediatric occupational therapist and loves helping kids reach their fullest potential in all areas of life. She lives in Lincoln Park and was raised in Orange County, California. She attended the University of Notre Dame for her undergraduate degree and loves rooting for the Irish, doing yoga, and exploring all of Chicago’s restaurants in her free time.
Jessie Jarosz, Committee Co-Chair
Jessie first got involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago through her occupational therapy coursework at Rush University in early 2022. She completed her doctoral capstone project here at the Playhouse and spent her time completing one-on-one digital literacy tutoring with our young adult population. She loved being able to assist her friends in learning new skills in the "online world". Following the completion of her capstone project, Jessie has continued to volunteer at GiGi’s. She is excited to expand her role at the Playhouse while being on the Board of Directors.
Jessie works as a pediatric occupational therapist at an outpatient clinic in the suburbs of Chicago. She lives in Lincoln Park and enjoys watching Chicago sports, cooking and baking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her friends and family.
Abbey Melling, Programs Co-Chair
Abbey got involved with GiGi’s Playhouse after noticing all the cute faces on windows while driving by. Being a pediatric physical therapist for over 10 years (at the time), she really enjoyed working with individuals with Down syndrome and their families. With some research, she found that we offered many great programs and that assisting the growth of our programs was needed at our Playhouse. She started volunteering at Crawlers and Walkers and the Teen Programs, particularly with the fitness components. The more time she spent with these individuals, the more she learned how important programming was and the need for further development across all ages. She joined our Playhouse Therapeutic Programs Committee to assist. In December 2017, she joined the Board as a co-chair for the Therapeutic Programs Committees. She enjoys her time on the Board and continuing to meet the program participants, their families and all of the amazing volunteers.
Abbey is a pediatric physical therapist who works in the school system. She currently lives in Wicker Park and is originally from Michigan. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ohio State University. Abbey lived in Ohio for a few years after school, then moved to Portland, Oregon for 2 years before settling down in Chicago. In her spare time, she loves to travel, enjoy dinner with friends and ride the lakefront trail on her bike.
Vivian Villegas, Signature Events Co-Chair
Vivian Villegas is a pediatric occupational therapist and research specialist working to accelerate family-engaged and participation-focused care. Vivian began volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago in 2018. She has served as a group leader, Therapeutic Program Committee member, and now eagerly joined the Board of Directors as Fundraising Co-Chair. Vivian is committed to providing free educational and therapeutic programming to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the Chicago community. In her spare time, Vivian enjoys jogging on the Chicago lakefront, singing in her church choir, and playing euchre.
Amanda Iacullo, Signature Events Co-Chair
Amanda started volunteering at the Chicago Playhouse at the end of 2022 and was introduced to the playhouse through her sister, Marissa Iacullo. Amanda jumped in and joined the committees for events GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge and Dance-A-Thon and found so much joy in helping plan the events.
She was drawn to GiGi's by the amazing mission of acceptance for all and is passionate about changing the way the world views Down Syndrome.
Amanda lives in downtown Chicago and works at a medical supply company in the Chicago suburbs. In her spare time, she loves traveling to new countries, baking and spending time at PAWS walking the puppies and cuddling cats.
Evguenia (Zhenya) Popova, PhD, OTR/L , Governance Co-Chair
Zhenya is a licensed occupational therapist and has been practicing in early intervention since 2015. She received a Master’s in Occupational Therapy and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Occupational Therapy at Rush University. In her research, teaching, and clinical practice, Zhenya strives to promote the importance of the occupational therapy role in community-based organizations, program development, and leadership.
Beyond lifelong passion for occupational therapy, Zhenya believes in giving back to the community through service. It was during her time as a master’s student that she got involved at the Chicago Playhouse. Zhenya has served as a program leader, Co-Chair of Therapeutic Programs, Vice President, President, and is now Co-Chair of Governance. Service is never easy, but it comes with a huge reward of being able to bring people together and take actionable steps to make our community a better place.
Ryan Hearty, Governance Co-Chair
Ryan moved to Chicago in 2015 from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He has a technical diploma in Computer System Technology and a degree in Economics. He has over 17 years of experience in mobile technology, partner ecosystems, and business development. He is always looking to expand his footprint in the business world.
Ryan was introduced to the amazing GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago community through his wife, Zhenya Popova. Over the years he has helped with various events and community fundraisers for the Playhouse and has met many great people. When Ryan isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family, relaxing, and exploring Chicago’s amazing craft beer & food offerings.
Jolene Wise, One-Day Events Co-Chair
jwise@gigisplayhouse.org
Jolene joined GiGi's Chicago Playhouse in 2019 through a referral by a friend of a friend when our playhouse wanted a fitness instructor for the TeenTastic program. With a history of volunteer and board work with adults with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, and a love of fitness, she enthusiastically brought PomSquad Fitness (cardio dance with pom poms) to GiGi's teens and young adults. A hit from the very first class, Jolene kept our participants moving and cheering throughout the pandemic with virtual classes. A recipient of GiGi's 2023, "Raise the Bar" Service Award, Jolene is dedicated to GiGi’s mission of acceptance and inclusion and shares this message with friends, co-workers, family and the occasional person sharing an elevator.
While continuing to lead our participants in dance routines to today's hits and yesterday's favorites, Jolene joined the Board in January of 2024. She brought valuable board, event planning, and fundraising experience from other non-profit organizations. Our "One Day Event Committee", responsible for four events over the course of the year celebrating our participants and their families, was the logical place for Jolene's talents and dedication.
Even in her career choice, Jolene is dedicated to public service. A lawyer by day with the Securities & Exchange Commission, a federal agency enforcing the securities laws. When not at GiGi's, Jolene enjoys traveling, sewing, needlecrafts, IndyCar and Formula One racing, attending the opera, ballet and theatre, concerts, movies and dining out with her husband and friends. Jolene lives in the heart of Chicago with her husband and cat. Fun fact: Jolene can drive a dump truck, backhoe, stick shift, and ride a motorcycle. Throughout her childhood, Jolene's parents, Joe and Arlene, taught her the value of hard work, the importance of lending a helping hand and serving one's community, and above all, that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. She believes interacting with GiGi’s participants, celebrating their successes, sharing GiGi's mission and working with the Board helps her fulfill these important life tenets.
Sean Harkless, Fundraising Co-Chair
Sean and his family are huge GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago fans! Ever since their daughter, Lily, was born in 2018, GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago has been ever present in her life. Sean and his partner, Ashley, moved to Chicago from Kentucky in 2013 and happened to live directly behind GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago for a number of years before Lily was born.
Sean received his BA in Theatre Arts at Northern Kentucky University with a Minor in History. He spent several years studying and performing improv at The Second City and iO Chicago. Currently, he manages an independent coffee shop and roastery called Backlot Coffee in Old Irving Park. Sean is excited to join the Board of GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago as the Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee.
Megan Westendorf, Outreach Chair
Mwestendorf@gigisplayhouse.org
Megan has been involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago since the summer of 2021 when she completed her doctoral capstone experience at the Playhouse. She worked to expand the summer internship program, piloted the Project TEAM group, and increase the self-determination skills of the participants. Megan worked to help the interns learn, understand, and practice the steps of Goal-Plan-Do-Check and incorporate the steps into their daily tasks and activities. She thoroughly enjoyed working with the participants, families, and staff and is excited to broaden her experience with the Playhouse as a Board member.
Megan is from Fort Wayne, IN and now lives in Ukrainian Village. She attended Indiana University for her undergraduate degree and Rush University for her graduate degree. Megan currently works as an occupational therapist at a local acute care hospital, primarily with adults. In her free time, Megan enjoys finding new favorite spots in the city with her husband, John, spending time with her puppy, Hudson, exploring outdoors, going out to eat with friends, and catching up on her endless reading list.
Samantha Conrad, One-Day Events Co-Chair
A self-proclaimed "nomad", Samantha grew up between Texas and Singapore - diving headfirst into various cultures with amazing food and grand adventures. She ultimately found her forever home in Chicago while attending graduate school at Rush University, and began her GiGi's journey through her doctoral research studies in the Summer of 2021.
Through her research, Samantha explored the benefit of promoting self-determination in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and found that peer-led extracurricular engagement can increase a person's sense of self, executive functioning, and overall wellbeing. Since then, Samantha has become a strong advocate for creative art expression for individuals with Down Syndrome and using dramatization to understand our lived experiences.
Samantha works in Chicago as an occupational therapist in a rehabilitation hospital and volunteers in various community-based organizations throughout the city. In her free time Samantha enjoys yoga, trying new recipes, playing board games, and scream-singing along to musicals