Our Team
Courtney Criss
Courtney Criss and her husband David grew up in the Seattle area. After processing the unexpected Down syndrome diagnosis of their second child, Courtney became a passionate advocate in the areas of education, therapy, medicine, and government services. The birth of their fourth child—also with Down syndrome—deepened her commitment to advocacy, especially for an inclusive society.
Courtney volunteered with the Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound from 2015 to 2024, serving on the Board of Directors and teaching a parent class on inclusive IEPs. Since 2021, she has worked at The Arc of Snohomish County, empowering families and self-advocates to advocate for positive changes for the IDD community. Courtney is also an attorney practicing disability law, focusing on guardianship and special education.
Connie Rivas Kmiecik
Connie Rivas Kmiecik is a marketing professional with more than 15 years experience working in media planning and buying. She has been working at Publicis Groupe agencies since 2011. She is a VP Director in Media Strategy and her career has spanned across CPG, Insurance and Healthcare and Retail clients. She has had the opportunity to work with amazing brands including Kraft Heinz, Procter & Gamble, AAA, Providence Health and Services/Swedish Medical, Starbucks, REI, Mattel, American Girl and Abbott. She is bilingual (Spanish/English), is a first generation American born to Mexican Parents in Chicago, IL and spent half her life in El Paso, TX. She went to school at NMSU and moved to Chicago after graduating. After working at Starcom Chicago from 2011-2016, Connie moved to Seattle in 2016 where she met her now husband, Sean. She loves to cook (will make you some amazing Mexican food!), run (has run 2 full marathons + many other races), camp, hike, travel & go to concerts. She has a beautiful 2 year old daughter named Maya who has Down syndrome and was diagnosed at birth. Maya means everything to Connie and Sean and they are learning and doing everything they can to support her. She also has a miniature pinscher puppy named Hopper.
Alicia Roten
Alicia Roten was born and raised in the Seattle area and will most likely always remain in this beautiful community. Alicia graduated from Jackson High School and has worked for Safeway for over 23 years. She loves sports, hiking, music, and gardening. She and her husband have two sons. Their oldest, Otto, is 3 years old and has trisomy 21. Their other son, Otis, is 18 months younger. “My boys are the best things that have ever happened to me. They both have such fun, sweet personalities and I have enjoyed watching them grow. My hopes and dreams for them cannot be just dreams. They need to become a reality so they can live in a world where inclusivity and kindness are what they see every day. I will advocate with everything that I am and pour my heart into preparing my children and all children to have the opportunity to live in that dream world. This for me is the start of building a place for them that will be like a second home, a place of belonging, where being different is looked upon as a superpower and not a disability.”
Amy Bock
Amy Bock is a proud mother to a beautiful son with Down syndrome and a passionate advocate for inclusion in all aspects of life. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and brings both professional expertise and personal commitment to supporting individuals with Down syndrome. Her mission is to create a world where every individual is valued, included, and empowered to reach their full potential. She is honored to support Gigi’s Playhouse in its incredible work and is excited to help drive its mission forward.
Melany Richmond
Melany Richmond, a devoted mother of four living in Snohomish County, brings both personal experience and professional insight to her advocacy for families and siblings navigating trauma and childhood diagnoses. One of her children received a Down syndrome diagnosis soon after birth and faced a challenging start with several months in the NICU—a journey that deeply shaped Melany’s passion for supporting others in similar situations. Melany has a technical background with both a Bachelor’s and Master's degree in electrical engineering and a second Master's degree in business administration. Melany combines analytical thinking with compassionate leadership. She is dedicated to creating a more inclusive world where every individual is valued for who they are, not defined by their abilities.
Christian Sorensen
Christian Sorensen is a PNW native with a passion for music, animal welfare and radical inclusion. As a stay-at/work-from-home dad, he enjoys his active role in the lives of his children. He has a daughter with DS and a son who has his own set of unique needs, both in the single digits. Christian hopes to make this world more accessible for all and spread joy wherever he can.
Kate Nyormoi
Kate is a passionate advocate and proud mom to Parker (10) and Lukas (7). Lukas’s journey with Down syndrome has deepened her appreciation for the importance of community in cultivating connection and support. Inspired by her sons and driven by a deep belief in inclusion, Kate is thrilled to help bring GiGi’s Playhouse to Everett—creating a space where individuals with Down Syndrome and their families feel celebrated, supported, and empowered.
With over 20 years of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, Kate has built and led teams across startups and global organizations. She brings strategic vision, heart, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does.
Outside of work, you’ll find Kate adventuring with her family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest or simply chasing joy in the everyday.