Our Team
President: Cheri Spath
Vice President: Todd Chambers
Treasurer: Teri James
Secretary: Kelly Guthrie
Executive Director: Shannon Kerin
Committees:
Programs: Shannon Kerin
Marketing: Heather Rodriguez
Finance: Teri James
Community Engagement and Outreach: Alejandra Aguirre
Facility: Cheri Spath
Fundraising: Elizabeth Vosnos
Volunteers & HR: Todd Chambers
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.
Molly Hoffman, Program and Volunteer Coordinator
Molly and her family reside in Glenview. After being a stay-at-home mom for the past 12 years to her 4 children, Molly is excited to join the Deerfield team. Her youngest child, who surprised the family with an extra chromosome, inspired her to get involved and give back to the Down syndrome community that has given her so much.
Molly loves connecting with people and creating meaningful relationships. She is excited to help volunteers discover opportunities to support GiGi’s Playhouse programs and families. She believes every volunteer brings something special and is excited to be part of a space that is filled with kindness, acceptance, and celebrates everyone’s unique gifts.
In her free time, Molly enjoys cooking, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family.
Dana King, Operations Coordinator
Dana grew up in the northern Illinois. She was first introduced to GiGi's Playhouse when a childhood friend's son was born with Down syndrome, and then was thrown right in a few years later when her son, Mason, was also born with Down syndrome!
Dana has two children, Amelia and Mason, and spends her free time chasing them around. When she has a few minutes of downtime, she enjoys baking and watching 911 or Grey's Anatomy. (Fun fact, she has watched Greys Anatomy 43 times completely through). When she was a kid, she wanted to be a firefighter and then quickly realized she would have to run into burning buildings and decided that was not a good fit for someone terrified of fire.
She hopes to help people understand that Down syndrome is so much greater than the stereotypes and to change the way diagnoses are given to families.
Joshua Radis, Database Coordinator
Joshua Radis is from Deerfield, Illinois, and is a 2026 graduate of the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy at Elmhurst University. Since 2022, he has volunteered at GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield as a Database Maintenance Intern, 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 golf.
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”.
Todd Chambers, Vice President
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.
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.
Teri James, Treasurer
My name is Teri James and I hold a BA and MBA in Accounting from the University of Iowa. In 2020 I retired from a 40-year career in corporate accounting/finance. I am a proud mother of six (blended family) and have three grandkids. My youngest grandson, Bruce, participates in programs offered at Gigi’s Playhouse. My husband John and I split our time between Grayslake Illinois and Key Largo Florida where we enjoy boating and all the water activities the keys offer.
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 10 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 rescue terrier (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. 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 change perceptions and raise awareness.
On a professional level, Elizabeth is a Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Old National Bank. She brings a unique skill set as a working mother, senior leader, critical thinker, deal maker, and parent of a child with unique abilities to her role on the board. She is committed to effecting change and helping the world realize that people like Ellis are much more alike than different.
Nikki Davis, Board Member
Nikki is thrilled to be join the board at GiGi's after volunteering at the playhouse for the last few years. She is looking forward to expanding her involvement and supporting the playhouse's message of acceptance for all.
Nikki is a CPA and earned her BS and MPA in Accounting from Illinois State University and her MBA from Keller School of Management. She currently works as a financial consultant for DLC, Inc. and has a passion for process improvements and data analytics.
In her downtime, Nikki enjoys fitness, reading, and creative outlets like painting and cross stitching.
Dan Cagney, Board Member
Daniel grew up on Chicago’s North Shore, where he currently resides with wife (Anne), son (Leo), and daughter (Rose). While living abroad in Sweden, Daniel and his wife welcomed their daughter, Rose, who was born with an extra chromosome. When the family eventually returned home, they were immediately welcomed by the GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield community. Since then, Daniel and his family have been grateful for the events, programming, and sense of community that GiGi’s provides. Daniel is honored to join the Board and looks forward to supporting the Playhouse’s mission, programming, and opportunities for individuals and families.
Daniel earned his B.A. from Boston College and his M.B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has spent the last nine years at Maersk, holding global roles across Marine Terminal Operations, Ocean Customer Experience, Program Management, and Supply Chain Technology Transformation. Daniel began his career in finance, spending nine years as a Global Equity Trader at Columbia Wanger Asset Management in Chicago before transitioning into the transportation and logistics field.