GiGi’s Playhouse Young Professionals Board
GiGi’s Playhouse Young Professionals Board is a group of motivated individuals ages 20–29 who are passionate about making a difference in the Down syndrome community. Members will engage in meaningful volunteerism by supporting Playhouse events, fundraising initiatives, and advocacy efforts. Through service on the board, young professionals will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and play an active role in promoting awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. This board also serves as a pathway for deeper involvement within the GiGi’s Playhouse mission.
Young Professional Members
Grace Spath, President
Grace is a pediatric speech-language pathologist serving families across the North Shore. She has worn a variety of hats with GiGi's Playhouse Deerfield since 2021 and is passionate about supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Grace grew up on the North Shore and has always felt a strong connection to the special needs community in the area. As the founding president of the GiGi's Playhouse Deerfield Young Professionals Board, she is excited to connect other young professionals to the Playhouse and share why this incredible organization is so worth supporting. Outside of work and the Playhouse, Grace enjoys reading a good book, spending time outdoors, traveling, and trying delicious food along the way.
Andrew Falduto, Vice President
Andrew is a Chicago-area native and proud member of the GiGi's Playhouse Deerfield community. He joined the Young Professionals Board in 2026 to support a mission that deeply resonates with him: Building a world where individuals with Down syndrome are celebrated, empowered, and given every opportunity to thrive. He looks forward to helping strengthen connections between young professionals, families, and the wider community.
Professionally, Andrew is a Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® who enjoys guiding individuals and families through important life decisions and long-term planning. Outside of work, he loves spending time outdoors, traveling, attending concerts and sporting events, and seeking new ways to give back.
Talia Just, Secretary
I’m so excited to be joining the board at GiGi’s Playhouse. As a Northwestern student working toward my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, this feels especially meaningful to me. Supporting kids and families and being part of spaces where everyone is celebrated is something I care deeply about, which is why GiGi’s has such a special place in my heart. I love the energy, the community, and most of all the people who make GiGi’s such an amazing place. I feel truly grateful to be part of something that brings so much joy, support, and belonging to families and reminds people that every individual is valued exactly as they are.
Tim Ye, Treasurer
Tim Ye is a Financial Advisor at Estate & Trust Advisors. He works closely with clients to help them build strategies for long-term financial success while also supporting the firm’s marketing initiatives. He is excited to be involved with helping those with Down Syndrome and their loved ones.
Tim graduated from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management with a B.S. in Finance and Business Analytics.
Outside of the office, Tim enjoys making and listening to music, finding inspiration in both the creative process and the energy of live performances.
Beth Christiansen
Beth is a business and estate planning attorney dedicated to helping individuals, families, and organizations plan for the future with confidence and clarity. With a practice built on trust and thoughtful counsel, she understands the profound impact that strong foundations can have on a community.
Beth is excited to serve on the GiGi’s Playhouse Young Professionals Board and is committed to supporting a mission that celebrates potential, builds belonging, and changes lives. She looks forward to contributing both her professional expertise and her passion for community impact to help further the organization’s work.
Outside of her practice, Beth enjoys reading and baking, and has been enjoying her time getting to know the Chicagoland area after relocating last year. She values building meaningful connections and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community that makes a difference.
Joshua Radis
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.