Our Team
Since opening in 2005 GiGi's Playhouse Fox Valley has been thriving and spreading our mission throughout the local community, and you have an opportunity to be a part of this incredible mission. We are currently recruiting people in our community looking for a way to give back while growing personally & professionally. Submit an application by clicking the button below or send an email of interest with a Board of Managers application.
Hannah Morkert, Site Manager
Hannah Morkert graduated from Marian University Wisconsin with a degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychology. She also has a certificate in Equine Assisted therapy. She is passionate about utilizing these alternative therapeutic modalities to make a difference in others’ lives. She has built innovative programs in a variety of settings for over 10 years and is excited for this opportunity to grow the Fox Valley location. She loves nature, photography, hiking and camping with her partner Joey, and spending time with her fur babies Ozzy (cat), Ace (cat), and Zeus (husky).
Kathryn Smith, Outreach Ambassador
Kathryn has been a part of 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 fiance and family, and playing Bunco with friends in her free time.
Brian, Ambassador
Brian has been attending GiGi’s Playhouse for quite some time. He attends our adult programs and volunteers here at GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley. He recently got his first job at Brighton Best International and loves working there. He helps at GiGi’s events and promotes GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley by handing out flyers and business cards to other local businesses. He has over 30k followers on his TikTok and loves creating dance videos. Check out his TikTok at hashtagbriguy. He is excited to be an ambassador at GiGi’s Playhouse and continue to spread the word about the programs we offer here.
Board Members
Karyn Charvat, Board President
Karyn M. Charvat is the Executive Director of PowerForward DuPage, which represents the most highly skilled and trained electricians and the most sought-after electrical contractors in DuPage County. Charvat holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University and has enjoyed a long career in the advertising and marketing industries. An active community volunteer, Charvat serves on the board of Naperville Community Television and is a past president of the GFWC IL Naperville Junior Woman’s Club.
Charvat previously served on the GiGi’s Fox Valley Board of Managers in 2014-2017 and is thrilled to be returning as Board President. She will focus on strengthening community engagement and donor relations within the Naperville area.
Charvat and her husband Carl reside in Naperville.
Meera Raghavendran, Vice President
Meera Raghavendran graduated with a degree in engineering and computer science. From a young age she has been passionate about helping individuals with special needs. She aspires to use her skills in communication, engineering, and technology to make a difference in others’ lives. She is one of the main leaders of the Teen Tastic program at the Fox Valley location but hopes to grow it and spread it to more people. She loves music, gardening, nature, and spending time with her two kids.