Our Team
Lizz Maxwell – Executive Director
Lizz Maxwell serves as the Executive Director of GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, where she leads with a deep belief that every individual with Down syndrome deserves to be seen, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive. Since its inception in 2016, Lizz has helped grow the Playhouse into a vibrant, mission-driven community — one that not only provides free, purposeful programming, but also fosters connection, confidence, and lifelong impact for over 660 families across Northeast Ohio.
With over twenty years of experience in alternative education and leadership, Lizz brings a servant-leadership approach rooted in listening, relationship-building, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments that not only support skill development, but also change perceptions, break down barriers, and build a more accepting world.
Lizz’s work extends beyond the walls of the Playhouse. She is an active member of the Developmental Disabilities Practice-Based Research Network (DD-PBRN) through the Cleveland Clinic and serves on the IDD Advisory Board for Cleveland State University’s College of Health, contributing to efforts that advance inclusion and improve systems of support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
She lives in Lakewood with her husband, Nick, and their son and daughter, and remains deeply grateful for the community that continues to support this mission.
Mary Makulinski - Operations Manager
Mary is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and a proud graduate of the University of Dayton, where her passion for empowering individuals with varied abilities began to flourish. Following an intensive 8-month internship at The Center for Discovery in the Catskill Mountains, she joined GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland in November 2019, launching GiGi’s Music: Project Pulse drumming program for teens and adults. As Operations Manager, Mary combines her clinical expertise, administrative background, and volunteer experience to nurture joy and growth for participants, families, and volunteers alike. She recently joined the Engaging Opportunities Foundation Board, helping to create pathways for meaningful employment while fostering a culture of acceptance and awareness. Mary is deeply committed to celebrating every individual’s achievements and creating opportunities for all to reach their fullest potential.
Addie Maiorana - Program and Volunteer Coordinator
Addie may be new to GiGi's Playhouse, but her passion for supporting individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities has been a lifelong calling. A graduate of Walsh University, Addie began her career as a case manager, where she dedicated herself to advocating for and supporting children and adolescents. Through this role, she gained valuable experience in active listening, coordinating, advocating, and delivering meaningful assistance to families. In her most recent role as an Employment Coordinator, Addie empowered adults with disabilities to secure fulfilling careers. She worked tirelessly to ensure they received the on-the-job support they deserved, finding joy in witnessing them thrive in the workplace. Now, as the Program and Volunteer Coordinator at GiGi’s Playhouse, Addie is committed to fostering an environment where participants and their families feel embraced and supported. She recognizes the profound impact of our purposeful programs and the invaluable contributions of our amazing volunteers. Addie’s mission is to meet each individual and family where they are, celebrate their unique journeys, and help them live their lives to the fullest.
Our Contracted Staff
Erin Alexeff – GiGiFIT Coordinator
Erin, a graduate of University of Toledo, is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Director of Programming for Rec2Connect, as well as being a certified yoga instructor. She joined our GiGi’s family in February of 2016 as our Program Coordinator and was a recipient of the National Volunteer of the Year Award at the GiGi’s Playhouse National Conference in Chicago after she helped implement and run most of our purposeful programming that year. After a brief move, she came back as our Youth Board Facilitator and now serves as our GiGiFIT Coordinator. She organizes, implements and runs our GiGiFIT programs, and enjoys incorporating Recreation therapy into our therapeutic programs. Erin has enjoyed being a part of our GiGi’s Cleveland family since its inception and loves coming to the Playhouse to see all of her friends!
Amanda Simon - Speech Language Pathologist
Amanda earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Akron. She began her career working with adults in a skilled nursing facility, providing rehabilitation to improve speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing function. After dedicating ten years as a stay-at-home mom to her three boys, including James, who has Down syndrome, Amanda’s personal experiences deepened her passion for early communication development. Inspired by the benefits of sign language in her family, she became a certified Baby Signing Time Instructor and began supporting families in enhancing communication with their little ones.
Amanda’s journey with GiGi’s Playhouse started at the grand opening, and she quickly became the Program Lead for LMNOP, a role she’s held for almost ten years. In this position, she teaches families basic sign language vocabulary and provides support and resources to help families navigate their journeys.
As she steps into her new role as Speech Language Pathologist for the Amina Grace Speech & Language Program, Amanda is thrilled to combine her clinical expertise with her personal passion for empowering families and enhancing communication for individuals with Down syndrome.
Libby Farrell – Speech Language Pathologist
Libby is a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) with over 12 years of experience supporting individuals with unique communication needs. She earned her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Cleveland State University in 2014. Libby began her career in Chicago, where she worked primarily in self-contained special education classrooms. During this time, she developed a strong foundation in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and gained extensive experience supporting individuals with complex communication needs. While in Chicago, Libby became involved with GiGi’s Playhouse, where she implemented the Amina Grace Speech & Language Program from 2017 through 2022. After relocating back to the west side of Cleveland, she helped bring this impactful program to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. Libby currently works full-time as an SLP and ATP at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland and is proud to continue her work with GiGi’s Playhouse as a contracted clinician. She has completed specialized training in LSVT LOUD for Kids, AEIOU: An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Feeding, and holds a Certificate in Assistive Technology. She is passionate about helping individuals build functional and meaningful communication.
Our Board of Managers
Celeste Blau – Co-President
Celeste has considered herself a part of the GiGi's Playhouse family since receiving her daughter's prenatal diagnosis – one week before GiGi's Playhouse Cleveland opened half a mile from her house. A graduate of The Ohio State University, her career encompasses a wide range of experiences in all aspects of marketing, business and real estate management and entrepreneurship, across a variety of industries including non-profits, healthcare and hospitality. She is currently the Director of xLab at Case Western Reserve University – Weatherhead School of Management. Celeste is also a passionate serial volunteer and was a former VP on the board for the Citizens' Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter and a mayoral appointee to the Lakewood Animal Welfare and Advisory Board to the city council. But her favorite role thus far is “MOMMY!” to her three children, Clementine (who has Down syndrome), Finneas, and Marigold. She resides in Fairview Park with husband, Patrick, their children, and rescue dog, Comet.
Zack Blau – Co-President
Zack became involved in the Down syndrome community after the birth of his niece, Clementine, who has Down syndrome. He took on Brew Ha Ha Co-Chair responsibilities to grow his involvement with GiGi's Playhouse and has since expanded to planning other events for the Playhouse, to grow the reach, fundraising and message of inclusion at GiGi's. A graduate of The Ohio State University and the Mount Leadership Society, he has worked in various marketing and sales roles, has managed his own business and food truck and is currently a Sales Manager with Great Lakes Brewing Company, where he has worked for more than a decade. Zack has also embraced the role of "Uncle Zackie" to his sister's three children.
Emily Monteleone – President Emeritus
Emily has a background in healthcare leadership and a passion for helping others. She has managed and led high-performing teams throughout her career at Cleveland Clinic and is grateful to have the opportunity to share those skills as she supports the Board. She is currently Director, Strategic Workforce Planning at Cleveland Clinic. Bringing GiGi’s Playhouse to our Cleveland community was something Emily was thrilled to be a part of as a founding member and she is excited to continue growing our support for the Down syndrome community.
Ben Meisenzahl - Vice President, Development Chair
Ben lives in Rocky River with his wife, Erin, and their two children, Madeline and George. He is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and has spent more than two decades with The Sherwin-Williams Company, where he currently serves as Senior Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer.
Ben was drawn to board service with organizations that welcome family involvement and is proud to have supported GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland for several years. He is passionate about using his financial and strategic expertise to help strengthen the Playhouse’s long-term growth and ensure its continued impact for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Northeast Ohio.
Jim Predmore - Treasurer
Jim is a graduate of the University of Akron where he obtained his bachelor's and master's degree in Accountancy. While working in public accounting he obtained his CPA certification and moved to the Cleveland area. Jim is currently the Senior Operations Analyst, FP&A for Brookfield Properties. His eyes were opened to the magic of GiGi's through the New Year's Eve event ringing in 2019. Since that time he has become a Certified Wellness Coach and is studying to become a Certified Personal Trainer, looking to build on his two biggest passions: mindfulness and fitness. When the opportunity to join GiGi's as a Treasurer presented itself, he knew this would be the perfect way to put his accounting and finance skills to great use. He's so grateful to join the amazing GiGi's community and make a difference to the organization in whatever way he can.
Carrie Litten - Secretary
Carrie has worked as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for over 20 years. She currently works as the Lead Advanced Practice Provider in the Emergency Department at Akron Children’s Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Capital University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University and, as a lifelong learner, went back to school and completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice at the University of Akron in 2018. She is passionate about health care, fitness and wellness. She has called Lakewood home for most of her life, and lives here with her three children. She has been blessed by her relationships with individuals with Down syndrome through her life, most impact fully her dear Aunt Ellen. Carrie is thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the work at GiGi’s Playhouse and advocate for acceptance for all.
Sarah Greene - Board Member, Self-Advocate
Sarah is a passionate advocate for GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland and an enthusiastic community ambassador. With experience helping in programs and promoting the Playhouse’s mission at local schools, Sarah has made it her priority to share the message of inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome. She was honored to give the opening speech at the Brew HaHa Fundraiser in 2022 and recently raised $1,762 for our 2024 Dash for Down Syndrome.
Sarah brings strong communication and collaboration skills to her work and a natural ability to engage others with GiGi’s mission. She completed vocational training through Project SEARCH at University Hospitals Parma, where she worked across various departments, and gained valuable work experience at Old Navy, Heinen’s Supermarket, and as a counselor with the City of Independence’s youth programs. In addition to her professional roles, Sarah has been a dedicated volunteer, lending her time to local aftercare programs, preschool, special education, and recreational events.
Her education includes a High School Diploma from Independence High School, where she was recognized as Homecoming Queen, cheerleader, and earned a Certification in the Recreation Assistant Program from Columbus State Community College, where she earned Dean’s List honors. With her unwavering dedication, Sarah is a valuable addition to the team at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland!
Brian Kilbane – Honorary Board Member - Self Advocate
Brian is a proud 1991 Graduate from Garfield Heights High School where he earned a varsity letter in golf and was varsity manager in both football and basketball. Brian has worked in the supermarket industry for 24 years and has been with Giant Eagle Supermarkets for the past 15 years.
Brian is clearly one of Cleveland’s most ardent sports fans and has unwavering loyalty to the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians as well as Cleveland State and his beloved Buckeyes.
Brian is the youngest of 8 and is the favorite uncle and great uncle of the ever-expanding Kilbane clan. Brian lives with his mother Betty in North Royalton, Ohio and when he is not working he enjoys playing golf and attending as many Cleveland sporting events as he can. When Brian was asked to be the Honorary Chairman to GiGi’s Inaugural Gala, Brian quickly responded, “Yes, I will do anything to help the kids.”
Jim Atkins - Board Member
Jim is Director of Sales, Americas for Nordson Corporation and resides with his wife Melissa and three children in Avon, OH. In addition to spending time with his family, Jim is also passionate about moving the GiGi’s message forward through volunteering opportunities, as well as developing the strategic vision for GiGi’s Playhouse. A graduate of Bowling Green University and Olmsted Falls High School, Jim has held several roles in sales leadership and enjoys collaborating with others towards a unified goal. Jim’s passion for the GiGi’s mission stems from deep rooted personal relationships with those close to him, and he understands that the tools and resources that the Playhouse provide are invaluable to those it serves.
Matt Fazekas - Board Member
Matt is a Cleveland native and graduate of West Virginia University and the Cleveland State University College of Law. Matt is an attorney who has experience practicing commercial litigation. Matt has enjoyed watching his best friend and brother, Patrick, attend and participate in GiGi’s programs and events over the years. He is excited to bring his experiences and skills as an attorney to the board to continue advocating for GiGi’s mission to provide acceptance for all.
Darren Fron – Board Member
Darren is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Packaging and Marketing. He is currently Head of Global Packaging Technology at Henkel where he has worked for the last 14 years. He is a Detroit native but has lived in Cleveland most of his professional life. He joined the GiGi's family with his wife, Anna, in 2021 and they have volunteered for Project Pulse Adult since its inception. He is motivated by the great joy of serving others and loves the mission of GiGi's Playhouse. He has an unrelenting passion for a healthy lifestyle, volunteering in the community, and a proponent of equity and inclusivity.
Anna Haddad – Board Member
Anna is a Cleveland native and a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Management and Marketing, along with a certificate in Human Resources. She also holds professional credentials including PHR, CPSP, and PMP.
After spending 20 years in global operations for multinational corporations, Anna purposefully pivoted to the nonprofit sector. She served as Director of Human Resources at the Cleveland Foundation before embracing an opportunity to join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s People and Culture team, where her belief in the power of music to unite and strengthen communities perfectly aligns with the mission.
Her love for music and community extends to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, where she and her husband, Darren, have volunteered in Project Pulse since 2021. Anna will never become desensitized to the wonderment and joy found at GiGi’s Playhouse.
Katie White - Board Member
Katie is a skilled sales and fundraising professional with expertise in relationship management, strategic engagement, and mission-driven growth. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and brings experience across higher education, advancement, and corporate partnerships, supporting both academic and community-centered initiatives.
Known for her collaborative approach and thoughtful leadership style, Katie has a strong track record of cultivating meaningful relationships and aligning organizational goals with donor and partner interests to drive long-term impact.
Katie lives in Lakewood, Ohio with her husband, Tom, and their two sons, Paddy and Rory. She is deeply connected to GiGi’s Playhouse through her nephew, Nick, who has been part of the Playhouse since its inception. Watching Nick grow, thrive, and reach milestones through GiGi’s purposeful programs has been a powerful and personal inspiration for her involvement and commitment to the mission.
Lisa R. Thuer-Winkelfoos - Board Member
Lisa considers being a proud stepmother to Griffin the most transformative role of her life. From the moment she stepped into his world, she embraced both the responsibility and privilege of being his advocate, champion, and constant believer ensuring he has every opportunity to thrive, grow, and shine. Griffin has taught her more about resilience, joy, and unconditional love than any professional accomplishment ever could. While her career has been defined by building philanthropic cultures, leading multimillion-dollar campaigns, and creating inclusive opportunities across education, sport, and nonprofit organizations, her most meaningful work happens in advocating for Griffin and individuals who are too often overlooked, underestimated, or excluded. She is deeply grateful to GiGi's Playhouse for providing Griffin and his friends with an abundance of opportunities to learn, build confidence, develop friendships, and celebrate their incredible abilities. GiGi’s is more than a playhouse to Lisa and her family—it is a community rooted in belief, acceptance, and limitless possibility.
Our Key Volunteers
Kathleen Mural - Playhouse Expansion Committee Chair
Kathy, foremost, is mom to three--including Johnny, who is a Playhouse regular. She and her husband, John, reside with their family in Rocky River. Recently re-joining the workforce after launching two daughters to college, she is the Lead Program Registrar for Lakeside Chautauqua in Marblehead. Previously, she spent most of her career in a variety of human resource leadership roles focused in the area of talent development. Kathy is a graduate of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and earned her Master's Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of Akron. In raising Johnny, she has developed a fervent desire to see communities open more doors to meaningful integrated employment. She's excited to be a part of the team helping the Playhouse achieve its goal of bringing GiGi U to Cleveland.
Shannon Montiel - Spanish Family Liaison
Shannon resides in Strongsville with her husband and two children, Leah and Isaac. She is a graduate of John Carroll University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and her Master of Education and Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology. She currently works as a bilingual school psychologist in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District supporting school-aged children with disabilities and their families. Shannon joined the GiGi’s Playhouse community as a parent when her daughter Leah, who has Down syndrome, was born in 2017. Since then, she and her family have participated in many of the free, purposeful programs that are offered at GiGi’s Playhouse. In 2024, Shannon joined GiGi’s Playhouse as a volunteer, serving the role as Spanish Family Liaison. She is passionate about supporting families in their access to purposeful programs and creating a welcoming environment for all families, especially when a language barrier may otherwise limit their access. Shannon speaks Spanish and is eager to support Spanish-speaking families within the Down syndrome community!
Katie Lewis - Youth Board Advisor
Katie comes to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland from the Annapolis, MD Playhouse, where she served as Vice President of the Board of Managers and Youth Board Advisor. She is excited to bring her leadership experience, Generation G perspective, and deep love for the mission to the Cleveland Playhouse community. Her involvement with GiGi’s began in high school at GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis, where she spent three years on the GenG Youth Board.
In 2021, during her senior year of high school, Katie partnered with GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland to help launch the National GenG Youth Board, which she continues to advise and support today. She is a May 2025 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Sport and Entertainment Management.
Professionally, Katie has experience in hospitality-based roles within the golf and now aviation industries. Outside of the Playhouse, she serves as Events Chair for the Carolina Rugby Foundation, where she also interned during college.