Our Team

Heather-Lorenzen

Heather Lorenzen, Executive Director

hlorenzen@gigisplayhouse.org

Heather joined GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo in September 2018, bringing years of advocacy and leadership experience. She is dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families, setting high expectations to help everyone achieve their best with the support of their families, educators, and community. Heather has played a critical role in leading the organization through crisis events, strengthening the community’s resilience and inclusivity.

Heather specializes in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly focusing on transition-age students and adults pursuing meaningful employment. She envisions a world where individuals with Down syndrome are fully accepted and embraced within their families, schools, and communities. Heather resides in Fargo, North Dakota, with her husband Jordan and daughter Mia.

Athman,-Lexi

Lexi Jameson, Site Manager

ljameson@gigisplayhouse.org

Lexi learned about GiGi’s Playhouse prior to moving to the Fargo area. As soon as she learned about GiGi’s Playhouse, Lexi knew she needed to be involved in the organization. Lexi began as a volunteer with the LMNOP program and quickly fell even more in love with the Playhouse, its mission, and the families. Throughout her years as an elementary teacher, Lexi developed a passion for installing independence and a “can-do” attitude in all children and supporting parents. She is excited to bring her experience to GiGi’s Playhouse to help the Playhouse spread the message of global acceptance for all.
Lexi lives in South Fargo with her husband. Lexi enjoys trying different restaurants, traveling, and watching football and hockey.

Savageau,-Courtney

Courtney Savageau, Program Coordinator

csavageau@gigisplayhouse.org

Courtney joined GiGi’s in 2023 as a volunteer and program leader for LMNOP and is excited to join the team as the Program Coordinator. Courtney has a younger brother with Down syndrome and has experience working as a paraprofessional. She graduated from Benedictine College in 2017 with degrees in Mass Communication and Theatre Arts. Courtney believes strongly in advocating for those with Down syndrome and feels passionately about all the wonderful things that GiGi’s Playhouse is doing for our community. She is excited to work in a place where we can begin to make the world a better, more inclusive and accepting place. As the Program Coordinator, Courtney will be supporting and overseeing the programs and volunteers.

Courtney lives in Fargo with her husband Patrick and their three kids Nicolette, Lucy and Sam.

KJ-Headshot

KJ Thompson, Playhouse Assistant

kthompson@gigisplayhouse.org

KJ joined GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo in December 2024, bringing a background in both creative and professional environments. With a passion for blending strategy and creativity to make an impact, she is excited to contribute her skills to GiGi’s mission. KJ believes in the power of advocacy and inclusivity to create a world where everyone can thrive.

At GiGi’s, KJ manages day-to-day operations, ensuring the Playhouse runs smoothly and efficiently while fostering a welcoming space for families, participants, and volunteers. She plays a key role in marketing and communications, drafting newsletters, creating social media content, and coordinating events that amplify the Playhouse’s mission.

KJ lives in Moorhead, MN, with her husband Tyler and their two cats, Sophie and Ruby. When she’s not reading, you can find her gaming, crafting, or whipping up something tasty in the kitchen.

Izzi Nankivel

Izzi Nankivel, Playhouse Intern

Inankivel@gigisplayhouse.org 

My name is Izzi and I am an occupational therapy doctoral student at the University of Mary in Fargo and anticipated to graduate in April 2025. In May 2022, I graduated from Concordia College with a degree in psychology. I am so excited to have the opportunity to complete my OT doctoral capstone project at GiGi's Playhouse in Fargo! I am grateful for this experience and for being able to meaningfully impact the lives of individuals with Down syndrome by creating a fine motor program that provides them with the skills to be independent in daily living activities.

GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo Board of Directors

drew

Drew Sannes, President

dsannes@gigisplayhouse.org 

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.

Andrea-Hensrud

Andrea Hensrud, Past President

ahensrud@gigisplayhouse.org

Andrea first heard about GiGi’s when the Center opened in the Red River Valley. Growing up with an older brother who has Down syndrome, she was immediately hooked on the purposeful programs offered and was the program lead for “Little Finders, Big Plans.” As an occupational therapist in the community, and as a sibling of a current participant, Andrea wanted to get involved in an active role. Because of her personal and professional background, she values the importance of promoting education to our families about the importance of development through the lifespan, and the importance of development within a family.

Andrea is also a health and life coach. She loves to empower those around her to be their best selves, including the best of all moments at GiGi's. She lives outside of Fargo with her husband Mark, their two children and her dog, Kona. She loves cooking, being active and the outdoors!

Trisha-Stibbe

Trisha Stibbe, Secretary

tstibbe@gigisplayhouse.org

Trisha has been learning, growing, and advocating for special needs since 2010 - when she gave birth to twin boys at 28 weeks. They thrust her into the world of special needs parenting, and she credits them with her growth as a mother and human. When her daughter, Claire, was born with Down syndrome in 2015 she was devastated. That devastation quickly evaporated, and Trisha assumed her role of a “Special Needs Mom x2” with joy and pride. There is magic in that extra chromosome, and it has been an absolute privilege watching Claire learn and grow with the help of GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo.

Trisha and her husband Adam have 4 children. She recently started Inclusion, Ink whose mission is to make the stressful, lonely world of advocating simpler. She hopes to build a community where we can all learn, grow, and support each other in our uniquely challenging, yet profoundly rewarding journeys.

Katie-Glander

Katie Glander, Treasurer

kglander@gigisplayhouse.org 

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.

Duffy,-Annalise

Annalise Duffy, President Elect

aduffy@gigisplayhouse.org

Annalise first learned about GiGi’s in 2021, when she received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome for her daughter, Lakyn. Since the diagnosis she has jumped headfirst into the world of advocacy, acceptance, and inclusion for all individuals, but especially those with Down syndrome. “Having Lakyn has provided me with this sense of peace within my life I did not know I was missing. She has given me the purpose I always yearned for and for the first time in my life, I know exactly what I’m supposed to be and do, and that’s an advocate for equality and inclusion. Joining the board of managers for GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo is something that just feels right.”

Annalise works for West Fargo Public Schools as a teacher and instruction coach in the Career & Technical Education Department. She has a master’s degree in education and just completed MSUM’s educational leadership program. She is excited to use her background as an educator and experience as a mom to a child with Down syndrome to help support and strengthen all GiGi’s has to offer. Annalise lives in Fargo with her husband, Tyler, and two children, Ronyn & Lakyn. In her “free” time, she enjoys reading, taco and game nights with friends, and traveling back home to Brookings, South Dakota to see family and cheer on the Jackrabbits.

Hofer-Laura

Laura Hofer, General Board

lhofer@gigisplayhouse.org

Laura and her family moved to Fargo in 2018 from Brookings, South Dakota. She accepted a position as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Fargo where she quickly learned about GiGi’s Playhouse. She attended her first GiGi’s gala in 2019 where she was inspired by the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse. Laura has practiced as a SLP for 11 years and has had the privilege of working with individuals with Down syndrome from birth to adulthood. Through her therapy background she has always strived to build connections with families and patients allowing them to achieve their goal of maximum potential. Finding resources within the community that have similar missions, such as GiGi’s Playhouse, has been valuable in reaching this goal.

Laura currently works as a Speech-Language Pathologist Manager at Pediatric Partners. She and her husband are business owners in Fargo and love hearing of ways to give back to the community. Laura lives in West Fargo with her husband, Aj, and three busy children. In her free time, you will find her enjoying time outdoors, running her kiddos to activities and trying to perfect her golf swing.

Carlos

Carlos Miranda, General Board

cmiranda@gigisplayhouse.org

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.

Kristin-Nelsen

Kristin Nelsen, General Board

knelsen@gigisplayhouse.org

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

Mike Polansky, General Board

mpolansky@gigisplayhouse.org

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 works as the Director of Procurement Operations/Purchasing at Border States.

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.

Amy Vogt

Amy Vogt, General Board

avogt@gigisplayhouse.org

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.

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!