Our Team
Our team is made up of talented people who have been positively impacted by individuals with Down syndrome. Our heart and soul are in our work every day!
Kaitlyn Brennan, Site Manager
Kaitlyn joined GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati in May 2023, bringing nearly 10 years of experience in the I/DD field. She has a BSS in mental health and disabilities services with a minor in communication science and disorders from Ohio University. Since graduating, Kaitlyn has worked as a DSP and communication instructor at a day program for adults with developmental disabilities, a residential care professional, data specialist, participant liaison and behavioral health manager.
As our site manager, Kaitlyn oversees all aspects of GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. This includes our day-to-day operations, community outreach/engagement, marketing, social media, fundraising, events, facility management and so much more. Her mission is to serve, educate and ensure meaningful programs for our participants and to create a positive environment for anyone who walks through our doors!
Kris Koulouris, Coordinator of Programs and Volunteers
Kris joined our GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati team in September 2024. As the coordinator of our programs and volunteers, Kris oversees and ensures the success of our free and purposeful programs at the Playhouse. She also manages and supports our many wonderful volunteers.
Kim Pohorence, Speech-Language Pathologist
Kim Pohorence is a proud parent of a child with Down syndrome and an energetic speech-language pathologist (SLP) with five years of professional experience. Her unique perspective as both an SLP and a parent has shaped her approach to therapy, making her an invaluable asset to children and families navigating the challenges of communication disorders. Kim coordinates and supervises the Amina Grace Speech & Language 1:1 Program at our Cincinnati Playhouse.
Our board of directors
Anna Shelton, Board President
Anna serves as our board president. She lives in the Anderson area of Cincinnati with her husband Dan and four daughters. Their daughter Izzy has Down syndrome. Anna works at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as a registered nurse.
Ann Poirier, Board Secretary
Ann Poirier serves as our board secretary. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband Tim and their four children. Their second child, Alice, has Down syndrome. Ann writes a blog about the beautiful blessing of Down syndrome.
Jim Stegman, Board Treasurer
Jim serves as our board treasurer. He worked in IT for many years and is now retired. Jim and his wife Cindy have four grown children and lots of grandchildren.
Whitney Carver, General Board Member
Whitney serves on our board, mostly helping coordinate family connections. She is an occupational therapist who has always had a passion for working with the special needs community. Whitney lives in Cincinnati with her husband, Tyler, and their three sons. Their oldest son, Knox, has Down syndrome.
Jan Terbrueggen, General Board Member
Jan serves as one of our general board members. He wanted to get involved on the GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati board in honor of his older brother Mark who had Down syndrome. Jan is retired from the financial service industry and enjoys life in Cincinnati with his wife Beth.
Whitney Campbell, General Board Member
Whitney is one of our general board members. She helps primarily with volunteers, fundraising and development. Whitney has many years of experience working in the special needs world. She and her husband Jeff have two grown children.
Mark Wiehe, Board Member
Mark serves as a general member on our board of directors. He and his wife Karen have four children. Their daughter, Becca, has Down syndrome. Mark also works at Huntington Bank and is a part owner of Bishop’s Quarter.
Ed McNett, Board Member
Ed is one of our amazing general board members. He works in finance for an organization that has supported GiGi's Playhouse Cincinnati since we were a startup team! He lives in Hamilton, Ohio and enjoys watching his three children thrive as young adults.
Jennie Berkley
Jennie has more than 30 years of public education experience with much of her focus on supporting students with Down syndrome and other special needs. She is always looking for ways to create awareness about the purpose that children and adults with special needs give to others. Jennie and her husband Nick have two grown children who also are involved in similar work.