Our Team
Jennifer Harpin, Executive Director
Jennifer brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, with a strong focus on youth development. She is a Certified Grant Writer and holds advanced certifications in program evaluation, resilience counseling, and results-based accountability. She will graduate with a Master’s degree in Data Analytics from Southern New Hampshire University in Fall 2026.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has led inclusive, community-driven initiatives and most recently spearheaded a 65% increase in funding at a Florida-based youth organization through strategic development and donor engagement.
Jennifer is also the parent of a son who lived with a disability, giving her a deeply personal connection to the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse. She is the founder of the Christian Fahlbeck Foundation, created in loving memory of her son to support young adults with developmental disabilities in successfully transitioning to adulthood—with the supports in place they need to thrive.
Originally from Iowa, Jennifer raised her two children in Vermont before relocating to Florida in 2019 with her husband and their German Shepherd, Petro.
As Executive Director, Jennifer brings vision, heart, and a lifetime of advocacy—committed to supporting every individual and family we serve as they grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Emily Folk, Program and Volunteer Manager
Emily graduated from the University of Toledo in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy. Since graduating, she has proudly worked as a recreational therapist serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through adaptive sports, community integration, outdoor programming, and aquatic wellness.
Emily is not new to GiGi’s! She previously served as a Program and Volunteer Coordinator at GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix, where she quickly knew that GiGi's mission was exactly where she was meant to be.
Emily is especially excited to support our amazing participants, families, and volunteers while helping create a welcoming, connected experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Nancy Jones, Volunteer Program Coordinator
Nancy Jones serves as a volunteer in the role of Program Coordinator at GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Myers. She moved to Cape Coral in 2023 from Minnesota and is a retired Behavioral Psychologist and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Nancy has devoted over 36 years to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities across home, school, and vocational settings. She brings extensive experience in designing positive environments and programs that promote optimal learning for children, adolescents, and adults with Down syndrome. Nancy lives with her husband and their Ragdoll cat, Mozart, and is looking forward to training a new puppy who may one day serve as a therapy dog for individuals in need.
Board of Directors
Sergio Nunez, Board President
Sergio Nunez was born in Chicago, Illinois, and relocated to Fort Myers, Florida in 2006. A graduate of DePaul University with a degree in Accounting and Finance, Sergio brings financial expertise and entrepreneurial leadership to GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Myers.
After moving to Southwest Florida, Sergio acquired and expanded his Kitchen and Bath remodeling company, Storia Marble & Granite, building a reputation for operational excellence, integrity, and exceptional client service.
Sergio and his wife, Samantha, are proud parents of three children. Their daughter, Sofia, was born with Down syndrome — a transformative moment that deepened their family’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. Samantha became one of the founding members of GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Myers, and through that journey, Sergio’s dedication to the mission grew alongside hers.
In February 2026, Sergio was elected President of the Board of GiGi's Playhouse Fort Myers. In this role, he provides strategic leadership, fiscal oversight, and governance to ensure sustainable growth and expanded impact for families across Southwest Florida. His personal connection to the mission, paired with his business insight, allows him to lead with both conviction and accountability.
Kory Walker, Treasurer
Kory has been a resident of Southwest Florida since 2005, having originally grown up in Texas and Oklahoma. He joined the board of GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Myers in 2023 after he and his wife, Casey, learned that their beautiful daughter, Kali, had been diagnosed with Down syndrome prior to her birth.
Kory holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Oklahoma and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). He is currently a Vice President and Senior Trust Advisor with Northern Trust, bringing over 25 years of expertise in estate and trust administration, financial planning, and investment management.
Kory and Casey are passionate about giving back to the community and supporting individuals with Down syndrome through their work and involvement with GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Myers. Together, they raise their daughter, Kali, along with Kory’s three older daughters, Emma, Lila, and Maddie, and reside in Estero, FL.
Caroline Reitz, Secretary
Caroline is thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the work at GiGi’s Playhouse. A graduate of Kent State University, her passion is to advocate for the Down Syndrome community within the Playhouse, as well as out in the Southwest community. As a past educator with over 20 years in the classroom, her mission has always been to serve, educate and inspire others. Caroline has called Southwest Florida her home since 2006, where she resides with her husband in the Gateway area. She is happy to work with her mother as a two-person sales team with RE/MAX Realty Group, helping others find their dream home in paradise.
Evan Rosenberg, Board Member
Evan is a native of Coral Springs Florida. He moved to Cape Coral in 2010. He and his wife, Angela, married in 2011 and have three boys. Their oldest son Emery has Down syndrome. Evan is a graduate of F.G.C.U.’s College of Business and the Radiology Program at Keiser University in Ft. Lauderdale. Evan is currently C.T. technologist at HealthPark Medical Center.
His hope is to continue spreading the motto, “you don’t know what you don’t know” It means to treat everyone like gold. You don’t know what anyone is going through so treat everyone with kindness and compassion.
Michael Stark, Board Member
Michael Stark brings operational leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and a strong commitment to community service to the Board of GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Myers. As the owner of dermani MEDSPA® Fort Myers, he leads with a focus on excellence, innovation, and exceptional client experience—principles that also shape his board service.
Mike joined the Board in July 2025, motivated by a belief in inclusive communities and meaningful opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. His professional background includes executive leadership at DiFiore Construction, where he served as Vice President of HR & Internal Operations, strengthening organizational systems and operational performance.
A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Mike blends analytical precision with creative problem-solving. He also serves as an Ambassador for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, reflecting his continued investment in strengthening Southwest Florida.