Our Team
President: Cheri Spath
Treasurer: Sheila Rivera-Fathallah
Secretary: Kelly Guthrie
Site Director: Shannon Kerin
Committees:
Programs: Shannon Kerin
Marketing: Heather Rodriguez
Finance: Sheila Rivera-Fathallah
Community Engagement and Outreach: Alejandra Aguirre
Facility: Cheri Spath
Fundraising: Elizabeth Vosnos
Volunteers & HR: 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”.
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.
Sheila Rivera-Fathallah, Treasurer
Sheila Rivera-Fathallah lives in the Northern suburbs with her family and dog. For most of her career she worked at Abbott in a series of increasingly responsible leadership finance positions. One of her roles was Controller/Treasurer of The Clara Abbott Foundation where she was introduced to the non-profit world, which inspired her to continue working in the space after she retired. She works as a volunteer consultant and coach for Executive Service Corps - Chicago since 2016.
Sheila earned her BSBA in Accounting/Finance from the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez, and her MBA in Accounting/International Business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In her spare time she likes to cook, bake, read, travel and spend time with family and friends.
Sheila is excited to learn more about Down syndrome and support GiGi's Playhouse Deerfield to continued success
Kathy Johnson, Board Member
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.
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.
Elizabeth Vosnos, Board Member
Elizabeth (Zajicek) Vosnos resides in Chicago’s North Shore with her husband (Dan), son (Ellis), daughter (Frankie) and terrier-mix (Peepers). In 2018, Elizabeth and Dan received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome for their son Ellis and a fire was lit, both literally and figuratively, inside Elizabeth’s belly that would change her life. Elizabeth was introduced to Nancy Gianni, founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Inc., at an event in October 2018 and a deep connection and passion for advocacy began to develop. Since having Ellis, Elizabeth has been very involved within the Down syndrome community – mentoring new parents, sharing her experiences, challenging the status quo, and networking with other individuals who are trying to effect change. The next natural step in her journey was to join the GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield board of directors, in order to raise awareness, change perceptions and actively support families within her local community.
On a professional level, Elizabeth is a Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Fifth Third Bank, where she leads the bank’s Syndicated Leveraged Finance practice for healthcare. She brings a unique skill set as a working mother, team leader, critical thinker, deal maker and parent of a child with unique abilities to her role on the board. She is committed to making a difference, and helping the world realize that people like Ellis are much more alike than different.
Todd Chambers, Board Member
Todd’s journey with GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield began after receiving a prenatal diagnosis in 2018 for his son Evan. Ever since, Todd and his family have felt like a part of the GiGi’s family - taking part in programs such as LMNOP, GiGiFit, Music Makers as well as getting involved in the Playhouse’s community events.
Professionally, Todd is Special Assistant to the Chief Communications Officer at The Boeing Company, a position he’s held since 2019. Todd began his career in Washington, DC after attending The George Washington University, where he worked on Capitol Hill for two Members of Congress as well as the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs - helping lead the Committee’s oversight and investigations division. Todd later moved to the private sector, joining AT&T’s External & Legislative Affairs practice.
Todd resides in Chicago’s North Shore with his wife Carolyn, son Evan and daughter Addie. He joins the Board for the valuable opportunity to help make an impact on GiGi’s direction, initiatives and programs, as well as to build on the inclusive and diverse community that makes GiGi’s so special.
Shannon Kerin, Executive 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.
Joshua Radis - Database Management Intern
Joshua Radis is from Deerfield, Illinois, and currently attends the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy at Elmhurst University. Since 2022, he has volunteered at GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield, assisting with the maintenance of the Playhouse’s databases. Joshua values the Playhouse’s commitment to recognizing the potential in all participants and staff, and he is passionate about contributing to its friendly and inclusive environment. In his free time, Joshua enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing on his computer, and playing pickleball.