Our Team
Lizz Maxwell – Executive Director
Lizz joined GiGi's Playhouse Cleveland in January 2016, bringing over twelve years of experience in alternative education and leadership. A graduate of Notre Dame College, she is fiercely passionate about advocating for the Down syndrome community throughout Northeast Ohio, engaging in speaking events, professional development opportunities in our schools, and other outreach initiatives. Her mission is to create a welcoming, empowering environment for individuals with Down syndrome and their families while fostering community awareness, inclusion, and acceptance. Through her leadership, GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland continues to grow as a vital resource for participants and families and a beacon for inclusion across Northeast Ohio.
Lizz is a member of the Developmental Disabilities - Practice Based Research Network (DD-PBRN) through the Cleveland Clinic as well as a member of the IDD Advisory Board at Cleveland State University’s College of Health.
She resides in Lakewood with her husband, Nick, and their son and daughter.
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!
Libby Farrell - Speech Language Pathologist
Libby is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, earning her Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at Cleveland State University. Much of Libby’s experience was spent working in a school setting in self-contained special education classrooms in Chicago, gaining extensive experience working with people with complex communication needs, thus gaining a strong background in augmentative alternative communication (AAC) systems. Libby also worked at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago where she implemented the Amina Grace Speech & Language program beginning in 2017 up until she relocated back to the west side of Cleveland in 2022. She is excited to bring this incredible program to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland and work with our amazing participants! Outside of her work as an SLP she enjoys biking, skiing, traveling, attending concerts, and practicing photography.
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 Assistant 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 mayoral appointee to the Lakewood Animal Welfare and Advisory Board to 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, Princess Aurora.
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 his two children Madeline and George. Ben attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and is an 18 year employee with The Sherwin-Williams Company and is currently Senior Vice President of Finance. Ben sought out board opportunities with organizations where his family could also be involved and looks forward to providing strategic support to the growth efforts of GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland.
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!
Jeanne Mullin – Board Member
Jeanne Mullin is an experienced trial attorney with over 20 years of experience and serves as the co-managing partner of the Cleveland office of Perez Morris, a Columbus, Ohio based women owned law firm. Jeanne’s practice is focused mainly on the defense of medical and professional negligence cases. She also serves as chair of the firm's Medical Malpractice Group.
Jeanne and her husband, Dave Gray, are the parents of five children. Their third son, Nicholas, has Down syndrome. For years, Jeanne served her community as a member of the board of the PM Foundation Inc., dba Urban Community School, a non-profit organization devoted to providing a quality, faith-based education to children in the near west side of Cleveland who would not otherwise have access to it. In 2015, she decided to change her philanthropic focus, and joined GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland where she works to further the mission of educating and inspiring the community, and helping individuals who have Down syndrome achieve and realize their potential.
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.”
Molly Moser - Board Member
Molly has worked in special education for the last 12 years. She is currently the Director of Transition & Vocational Services for Steps Educational Group. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Kent State University and has a permanent teaching license in the State of Ohio for K-21 Special Education, as well as a Transitions to Work Endorsement. After living in Denver, for the last decade, Molly is thrilled to be back in Lakewood, where she grew up. She is excited to be on the board and continue the work of GiGi’s Playhouse, sharing the message of acceptance for all.
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 currently an associate attorney at the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP and his practice is focused on commercial litigation. Matt has enjoyed watching his best friend and brother, Patrick, attend and participate in GiGi’s events. He is excited to bring his experiences and skills as an attorney to the GiGi’s 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 College. Anna is currently Director, Human Resources at the Cleveland Foundation. She and her husband, Darren, joined the GiGi’s Playhouse community in 2021 volunteering in the Project Pulse Adult Assist roles & continue to look forward to the music program every Tuesday. She will never become desensitized to the wonderment found at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland.
Our Key Volunteers
Amanda Simon - Family Outreach
Amanda studied at The University of Akron for both undergraduate and graduate school where she earned a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology. For 10 years, she worked with adults in a skilled nursing facility, providing rehabilitation to help patients improve speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing function. However, for the last 8 years, she's taken on the role of stay-at-home mom to three amazing boys! After having James, who has Down syndrome, their family began using sign language as a way to connect and communicate. She believed in it so much that she decided to become a certified Baby Signing Time Instructor. Shortly after, GiGi’s Playhouse opened their doors and she's been hooked since the grand opening! As soon as she heard about the LMNOP program, she knew she wanted to be a part of it! She has been the Program Lead for LMNOP for 8 years now. She loves teaching families basic sign language vocabulary as a tool to enhance communication with their littles, in addition to providing support to families as the Family Outreach Volunteer. She enjoys connecting with new families and assisting in providing resources and connections for them!
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!