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 Director
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 director, 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!
Catrina Welch, Manager of Programs and Volunteers
Catrina started with GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati in January 2026. She brings extensive leadership experience supporting people with disabilities, including Down syndrome, and has led the growth of inclusive educational, therapeutic and volunteer-driven programs. Catrina is passionate about creating supportive environments where individuals with disabilities and their families can thrive.
Catrina and her husband have six children, including a daughter with Down syndrome, and four grandchildren. This personal experience with Down syndrome helps her bring enthusiasm and compassion to her role at GiGi's Playhouse Cincinnati as she oversees our programs and connects our participants, families and volunteers for a meaningful, unforgettable experience.
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 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. Her blog posts have been picked up by various media outlets and publications.
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.
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 has a passion for the special needs community. As a former Special Olympics swim coach, she fell in love with this population as she coached all levels of abilities in the water. Whitney came to GiGi's Playhouse with a love for service and wanted to share that passion with the families and participants. She lives in Cincinnati with Jeff, her husband of 30 years. They have two grown children, their son Grant (who lives in Chicago and works as a computer engineer) and their daughter Cate (who lives in Indianapolis and works as a cardiac nurse).
Mark Wiehe, General 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 in Loveland.
Ed McNett, General 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, General Board Member
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.
Amy Zimmerman, General Board Member
Amy Zimmerman is a communications professional with nearly 30 years of experience and a passion for advocacy. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband Chris and their two dogs. Amy is a proud mom to Lillie, a nurse in New York City, and Cameron, a college student pursuing social work. She's been active in the autism community for over a decade and has personal ties to Down syndrome through close family and friends. Amy is honored to support GiGi’s Playhouse and its mission of empowerment and inclusion.