Our Team
Andy Doyle, President
Board Member, 2019 - present
Adoyle@gigisplayhouse.org
Andrew works as an attorney in the Fox Valley area running his own private practice. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with the family. Some activities the family enjoys are playing in the snow or ice skating on their homemade ice rink, swimming in the summers, or anything else his daughters suggest.
Andrew has always wanted to be part of the community and help to make a difference and was inspired to join the Down Syndrome community at GiGi's Playhouse Fox Valley because of his god daughter Samantha and lifelong friends. She has truly been in inspiration to so many and Andrew is so grateful to help out an organization that hits close to home.
Morgan Crackel, Vice President
Board Member, 2022 - present
mcrackel@gigisplayhouse.org
Mike Thiel
Board Member, 2021 - present
MThiel@gigisplayhouse.org
Mike is a Vice President at Republic Bank of Chicago in Naperville, with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Mike is actively involved in the community as serving on the boards of Kids Matter and the Naperville Humane Society. He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Lewis University and lives in Plainfield with his wife Fay and his two children.
Patrick McDonnell, Secretary
Board Member, 2022 - present
PMcdonnell@gigisplayhouse.org
Dr. Patrick McDonnell is a neurologically-based chiropractor who owns a practice in Aurora/Naperville area off of Route 59. Prior to becoming an M.D., Dr. Patrick was a gym/health teacher and enjoyed coaching at local high schools. He coached football at Waubonsie High School, softball at Joliet West, and basketball at Rosary High School. Patrick is engaged to be married next year and is an avid health enthusiast as he and his fiance love participating in cross-fit. Dr. Patrick chose to join GiGi’s board because he has a heart to serve. He has experience with working with children with special needs and enjoyed getting to know many families at our World Down Syndrome Day celebration.
Emily Rosenberg
Board Member, 2019 - present
Programs Committee Chair
Erosenberg@gigisplayhouse.org
Emily Rosenberg has been involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley for the past 7 years as a program leader for Dance @ GiGi’s and in 2019 she joined the Board of Managers. Emily is a dance instructor at Steps Dance Center and a recent grad from North Central College. In her free time Emily enjoys spending time with her son, Brady- especially at Disney!
Kathryn Smith, Outreach Ambassador
Board Member 2010-present
Kathryn has been on the Board of Managers at GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley since 2010. She is the first individual with Down syndrome to serve on a board at any GiGi’s Playhouse. She was the secretary for 2 years and now serves as the Outreach Ambassador. Kathryn lives in Aurora with her mom, Patty Smith, who also has served on the Board of Managers, and is now an Alderman in Aurora. Kathryn graduated from high school and earned her certificate from the College of DuPage. She works at the Aurora Public Library and is an ambassador for ComEd. Kathryn enjoys public speaking, spending time with her fiancé and family, and playing Bunco with friends in her free time.
Other Key Positions
Community Outreach Coordinator: open position
Literacy Coordinator: Sally Stearns
Marketing & Social Media Coordinator: Sahar Ali
Math Coordinator: open position
New Family Coordinator: Brittne Ash
Program Coordinator: open position
Volunteer Coordinator: open position
Program Leaders:
Daddy & Me: Joe Catalano
Hispanic Playgroup: Mayfe Zurita
Light Up the World with Dance: Emily Rosenberg (Steps Dance Center)
Little Aces (Tennis): Alyssa Girgis (NCHS)
Little Sports (Bowling): Steven Ondrus (NCHS)
Teen Tastic: Anirudh and Meera
LMNOP: Shreya and Sanjana
Open Program Leader Positions: Destination Discovery, Fantastic Friends, Kids Club, LMNOP, Playhouse Pals, GiGi's Kitchen
Interested in joining our board of managers?
Submit an email of interest with a Board of Managers application to foxvalley@gigisplayhouse.org.