Our Team
President: Cheri Spath
Vice President: Kathy Johnson
Secretary: Kelly Guthrie
Site Director: Shannon Powell
Committees:
Programs: Alejandra Aguirre
Marketing and Community Engagement: Heather Rodriguez
Finance: Liz Thorn and Kelly Guthrie
Facility: Cheri Spath, Alyse Mastrodonato, Kelly Guthrie
Fundraising: Alyse Mastrodonato
Volunteers: Kathy Johnson
Cheri Spath, President
Cheri Spath is from Lake Bluff, and mom to Grace, our Speech Pathology intern. Grace’s enthusiasm and passion for GiGi’s was infectious, and inspired her to volunteer when Grace returned to school. She has enjoyed helping out behind the scenes, loves ‘getting things done’ and is honored to officially join the Board. Cheri has a degree in Pharmacy, and has recently retired after 28 years in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily at Abbott/AbbVie. She also sits on the Program Council for the Project ADAM affiliate at Lurie Children’s hospital, advocating for CPR/AED education in schools and communities. “I am excited to learn more about Down syndrome, support the acceptance mission and be a part of the continued growth and success of GiGi’s Deerfield”.
Kathy Johnson, Vice President
Kathy Johnson and her husband, Ron, became involved with GiGi’s Deerfield after witnessing the journey of a friend's grandson born with Down Syndrome. Later, they were blessed when their own grandson, Mason, was born with Trisomy 21. With three daughters, two sons-in-law, and three cherished grandchildren (Amelia, Mason, and Callie), their family is their greatest joy.
Professionally, Kathy serves as the Executive Vice-President of Human Resources at Energy Distribution Partners, holding a BS from DePaul University and an ML from Tulane Law School. Her dedication extends beyond the corporate realm; she is deeply committed to fostering social awareness and acceptance within the Down Syndrome community, and actively engaging in organizational outreach efforts.
In their spare time, Kathy and Ron enjoy weekend adventures and spoiling their grandchildren. Kathy is an avid reader and actively seeks out opportunities for personal growth and professional learning.
Kelly Guthrie - Secretary
Kelly and her family – husband and son (2) – reside in the Northwest Suburbs. She has been an attorney for over fifteen years and runs her own law practice in Arlington Heights. Kelly is looking forward to bringing the same passion for helping her clients to helping those with Down Syndrome and their loved ones. She is proud to be a part of the Board of Directors for GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield.
Kelly earned her B.S. from UW-Madison and her J.D. from UIC John Marshall Law School (now known as University of Illinois Chicago School of Law).
In her downtime, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping in the great outdoors, reading books and traveling.
Jill Rabin, Honorary Board Member
Jill Rabin is a pediatric speech pathologist and international board certified lactation consultant who works with infants to three year olds. She has a private practice in the Chicagoland area where she primarily sees at-risk and special needs breastfeeding patients, children with Down syndrome and children with feeding aversion through the early intervention system. She often follows her patients with Down syndrome as breastfeeding newborns until they age out of the early intervention system. She also counsels pregnant mothers of babies with a prenatal diagnosis about how to establish breastfeeding. She utilizes the Baby-Led Weaning approach in transitioning babies to solid food feedings, and has found great success in using this approach with babies with Down syndrome and feeding aversion. She has lectured nationally and internationally on topics related to breastfeeding at-risk infants, feeding aversion and the impact of Baby-Led Weaning as a method to transition to solids. She has authored chapters in a book called Nursing Down Syndrome which is due to be published in the fall of 2018. She has also been a guest blogger writing posts on facilitating breastfeeding in babies with Down syndrome for Julia’s Way. It is her goal to build a collaborative relationship between speech pathologists and lactation consultants in hopes of increasing the possibility of successful breastfeeding, especially for at-risk infants.
Alyse Mastrodonato, Board Member
AMastrodonato@gigisplayhouse.org
Alyse & her husband Nick found GiGi’s Deerfield after the birth of their son, Conner. With a passion to make a difference, Alyse is excited to be a part of the Deerfield team. Currently a stay at home mom with a love for the outdoors, music & her family, she is anticipating a return to work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She strives for everyone’s potential to shine, which is exactly what she plans to do for Conner, his friends & the playhouse. “Let’s make this playhouse ROCK!
Alejandra Aguirre, Board Member
Born and raised in México. Relocated to the Windy City due to Edwin´s (my husband) job.
Proud mom of Thiago. I have a bachelor´s Degree in Nutrition with a diploma in maternal and child nutrition, 15+ years of experience owning my nutritional private practice and worked for the Mexican government designing nutritional school programs for kids.
I love to be with my family and friends. I´m passionate about nutrition, fitness and traveling. I also enjoy cooking, baking, and dancing on my free time.
Heather Rodriguez, Board Member
Heather Rodriguez is a passionate advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, currently volunteering as a dedicated team member at GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield. Her journey with GiGi’s Playhouse began over 11 years ago, where she found a community filled with warmth, celebration, and unwavering support. Heather works for the National Down Syndrome Society, amplifying her commitment to inclusion and acceptance.
Brian Rogala, Board Member
Brian is from Long Grove and has been attending programs and volunteering at GiGi’s for 10+ years. He now volunteers to help with donor appreciation and organization of the playhouse. Brian also works for Gerry’s Café preparing food and drinks. He loves to spend time with his family and friends when he is not busy working and volunteering. He has been with his girlfriend Christine for 8 years and they enjoy sharing romantic dinners together. Brian is really happy and proud to be joining the board.
Shannon Kerin, Site Director
Shannon started at the GiGi's Playhouse National Office in 2015 as a place to learn and grow doing something positive while she figured out her long term career goals. Within a few months of her position at GiGi's she "drank the kool-aid" and realized that this was no longer a stepping stone but a life mission. Shannon worked as the jack-of-all trades in many different departments at the National Office but found her niche in marketing and supporting the start-up teams. Working with the Deerfield team inspired her and when the opportunity arose to run the new location she jumped at the chance. She looks forward to connecting to families at the new playhouse and helping to change the way the world sees Down syndrome.