Our Team
Kira Knutson, Executive Director
Dr. Kira Knutson is a people-centered leader with nearly a decade of experience in K-12 classrooms both locally and across the country. She brings a deep commitment to education, community engagement, and the transformative power of the arts. Her career has been rooted in fostering inclusive, supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
Dr. Knutson holds degrees in music from St. Olaf College, Boston University, and the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Her academic background is matched by a strong record of service in higher education, having held faculty and staff roles at institutions such as Minnesota State Moorhead, Concordia College, Macalester College, and Harvard University.
In addition to her work in education, Kira has experience in program development, community partnerships, grant writing and grant management. A passionate advocate for the arts, Kira is also an accomplished professional soprano and choral conductor. Her leadership style reflects deep empathy, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to equity.
Outside her work with GiGi’s Playhouse, Kira serves as Organist and Choir Director at Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral. She and her husband, Steve, live in Fargo with their three children and rescue dog named Ham. Kira is humbled and overjoyed to bring her vision, experience, and heart for service to the role of Executive Director with GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo and looks forward to cultivating rich, long-lasting relationships within the Fargo-Moorhead community and beyond.
Lexi Jameson, M.ED, Site Manager
Lexi serves as the Site Manager at GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo, where she leads day-to-day operations while also driving the Playhouse’s marketing and communications strategy. From Playhouse coordination and volunteer collaboration to branding, social media, and fundraising campaigns, Lexi plays a key role in keeping the mission visible and the community engaged.
Known for her energy, organization, and people-first leadership style, Lexi is deeply involved in signature initiatives such as the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge and the annual Gala. Whether she’s greeting families or crafting messaging that inspires support, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming and empowering Playhouse experience for all.
Outside of work, Lexi lives in West Fargo with her husband. She enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, and cheering on football and hockey.
Courtney Savageau, Program Coordinator
Courtney joined GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo in 2023 as a volunteer and LMNOP program leader before officially stepping into the role of Program Coordinator. As both a sibling advocate—her younger brother has Down syndrome—and a former paraprofessional, Courtney brings personal passion and hands-on experience to her work.
A graduate of Benedictine College (2017) with degrees in Mass Communication and Theatre Arts, Courtney combines creativity, communication, and compassion in everything she does. She is deeply committed to ensuring individuals with Down syndrome are celebrated, included, and empowered.
In her role, Courtney oversees program coordination and volunteer support—making sure every participant and family is welcomed with excellence and care. She is excited to be working in a place where meaningful change happens every day, building a more inclusive and accepting world for all.
Courtney lives in Fargo with her husband, Patrick, and their three children: Nicolette, Lucy, and Sam.
GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo Board of Directors
Carlos Miranda, President
Carlos is a pediatric cardiologist at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota. Over the course of his career, he has cared for many patients with Down syndrome, which has inspired him to advocate for their health and well-being. Carlos' involvement with GiGiFIT Teens deepened his appreciation for the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse. He is proud to serve on the board of GiGi’s Playhouse, supporting its mission to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Amy Vogt, Vice President
Amy learned of GiGi's Playhouse years before, however she was made aware of the teddy bear clinic event. This motivated Amy to be part of the community to help support the way the world sees Down syndrome. As a nurse for over 25 years, Amy wants to advocate for all to have opportunities and experiences that go beyond our limitations and ensures life is approached with curiosity and joy. Amy works in a combination of healthcare leadership and nursing academics to ensure the future generation has compassionate and supportive care for all. The future care providers need to continue to be stretched to recognize and understand the impact we have on the quality of unique and special care provided to those we serve.
Amy lives in Moorhead with her husband, 4 children, and 3 fur babies (dogs). She loves to spend time outside and playing games with her family.
Drew Sannes, Past President
Drew has been an advocate for GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo since opening in 2015, volunteering with the Teen and Adult programs throughout her college years. Upon learning about GiGi’s Playhouse, she immediately had a soft spot in her heart for its mission, thanks to a close friendship throughout her childhood and teenage years with a classmate who has Down syndrome. Drew has a strong passion and love for those with special needs, wanting to help provide opportunities for every individual to become their best self.
Drew is the Operations & Marketing Director for Light Consulting as well as Dale Carnegie of ND & MN, and is instrumental in Faith Forward and Fiesta 4 Impact. She is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead with graduate and undergraduate degrees in Business Administration.
Kristen Peterson, Treasurer
Kristen works in Treasury for Titan Machinery Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Accountancy degree and a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of North Dakota. She brings a diverse background in banking, fraud investigation, credit, FP&A, and treasury operations. After attending the GiGi’s Playhouse Gala, she felt a deep connection to the organization’s mission and knew she wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. Kristen is passionate about giving back to the community and is honored to serve on the Board for GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo. She lives in West Fargo with her two dogs. She enjoys golfing, going for walks, yoga, and binge-watching shows.
Katie Glander, Past Treasurer
Katie joined GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo’s board in July 2024. With a background in public accounting specializing in tax preparation for Tax-Exempt Organizations, she brings a wealth of expertise to the team. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Concordia College Moorhead and currently works as an accountant for Titan Machinery.
Katie is dedicated to the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse and aims to leverage her financial acumen to ensure the organization’s financial resources are managed effectively and transparently. Her commitment is to support the organization’s goals and enable it to make a positive impact in the community.
Hannah Gillon, Secretary
Hannah Gillon is a CPA and accounting professional at Corwin Automotive Group, with a deep passion for community and inclusion. She was born in Scotland and moved to Canada when she was five. Growing up, Hannah moved around a lot, which taught her how important it is to have friends, feel included, and find a sense of belonging—values that align perfectly with the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse.
Now living in Fargo with her partner, Ian, and his two daughters, she is proud to serve on the board and contribute to making a positive impact in the community.
When Hannah is not working, she loves camping, CrossFit, shopping, outdoor adventures, and traveling with her family.
Kristin Nelsen, General Board
When Birk was born, Kristin remembered feeling like she was on this journey alone and had so many fears of the unknown. She discovered GiGi’s Playhouse online when she was looking for information about Down syndrome. She told her husband that this was her dream, to help bring GiGi’s Playhouse to our community. Kristin was the founding President for two years and continues to serve as a general board member. GiGi’s Playhouse is a place that will bring families together and find the support they need to help their child become the best that they can be!
Kristin graduated from Concordia College Moorhead with majors in Elementary Ed, Social Work, and Child Development and has her master's in education. Kristin is married to Matt and has four kids, Madeline, Birk, Kane and Caroline and lives in Moorhead, MN.
Mike Polansky, General Board
Mike became aware of those with special needs at an early age because of his mother, who taught special needs children many years ago. She taught him the importance of understanding that everyone should be treated with kindness regardless of how they may look or be born. This lesson became very true when Mike’s daughter Carli received the diagnosis that her unborn first-born daughter had Down syndrome while on a family vacation. While the news was unexpected, the family gathered to move forward. Sophie entered their lives with Down syndrome and was later diagnosed with autism as well. This all happened while Mike and his wife Linda were living in St. Louis. After retiring and hiring on immediately with Border States in Fargo, Mike and Linda made the move north. Wanting to stay connected to Sophie in some way, Mike and Linda googled Down syndrome resources in Fargo and found GiGi’s. One Friday afternoon, Mike and Linda wandered into GiGi’s Playhouse and immediately fell in love with everyone it represents and everything it does for the Down syndrome community. Mike and Linda began to volunteer each week to help them feel close to Sophie and support this important cause.
Mike and Linda are the proud parents of four children and five grandchildren. They enjoy traveling to visit their family across the country and spending time with each other.
Holly Osborn, General Board
Holly is a Board Certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist with over 15 years of experience and a deep passion for supporting individuals with special needs. She first became involved with GiGi’s Playhouse in 2020 as a volunteer for a virtual gala. Moved by the mission and impact of the organization, she soon joined the GFAC committee and has served as chair of the annual GFAC event for the past three years, helping to grow its reach and impact in the community.
Holly specializes in Pediatric Incontinence and is committed to helping children and families achieve meaningful goals through compassionate, evidence-based care. She brings this same dedication to her role on the GiGi’s Playhouse Board, where she champions inclusive programming and community engagement.
In addition to her work with GiGi’s, Holly is actively involved in several other service and professional organizations. She is a mentor and volunteer with BioGirls, serves on the AOTA Children and Youth Special Interest Section Committee, and is an engaged member of True North Church. Holly lives with her husband and two children, who continue to inspire her passion for creating a more inclusive world for all.
Kasey Hensrud, General Board
Kasey is a Human Resources professional at Entrust, where she is known for championing inclusion and opportunity in the workplace.
With a passion for creating environments in which everyone has a voice and can thrive, she brings an action-oriented mindset to every role she takes on. Since returning to Fargo to raise her family, Kasey has felt a strong pull to be part of an organization that strengthens the community and supports children and families.
Introduced to GiGi’s by her sister-in-law Andrea, Kasey was inspired by its mission to change perceptions of Down syndrome and promote global acceptance by providing free, life-changing programs that support individuals and their families for life.
Corey Eidem, General Board
Corey is a community-focused professional with a passion for inclusion and empowerment. As a father of three and an active youth sports coach, he values environments where all children can thrive. Professionally, he is the Director of Sponsorship and Advertising at the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, and helps organizations grow through meaningful community partnerships. He also played a role in the early development of SensoryRx, a venture focused on creating sensory-friendly spaces, an experience that deepened his commitment to inclusive advocacy. Corey is proud to serve on the board of GiGi’s Playhouse and support its mission to celebrate and uplift individuals with Down syndrome.
Kaleigh Reller, General Board
Kaleigh first connected with GiGi’s Playhouse through her little cousin, who has Down syndrome. After joining him for a cooking class, she quickly fell in love with the joy, connection, and support GiGi’s brings to families. Her cousin’s journey brought their family even closer and sparked her passion for supporting the Down syndrome community. A proud Concordia College alumna, Kaleigh earned her degree in Business Marketing with a minor in Psychology and later completed her MBA at NDSU. She volunteers each year at a leadership camp for high school students, helping them grow in confidence and purpose. She is the Marketing Manager at Sandy’s Donuts, where she loves partnering with local nonprofits, and also runs JAYDE Growth & Marketing, empowering entrepreneurs to grow their brands. Kaleigh is proud to support GiGi’s through Rock Your Socks and other events.
You!
As we continue to increase our impact in Fargo, we need to increase our team! We would love to have you as a part of our board or committees! Email fargo@gigisplayhouse.org and let us talk about how you can get involved!