Our Team
Alison Flores, Executive Director
Alison has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 15 years. She has always had a passion for helping individuals with all abilities set and achieve their goals. In her down time, she loves spending time with her family. Alison currently lives in Lake Zurich with her husband Rafael and son Lucas.
Megan Frey, Career Programs Manager
Megan graduated from Georgia Southern University with my degree in Recreation Therapy, and am a CTRS as of 2017. I have a long background of working with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, so I can't wait to keep my passion alive at GiGi's Playhouse. I have a 3-year-old lab mix named Milly, and she is my favorite running and fishing buddy. In my spare time, you can find me in Wisconsin on a boat or fishing, and cheering on the Chicago White Sox!
Maria Luciani – Speech Pathologist
I have been a certified Speech Pathologist for 39 years. I spent my career in High School District 211 at Hoffman Estates High School. I was responsible for providing services to students with Individual Education Plans in both regular and special education programs. I retired from District 211 in May, 2019. I have been at GiGi’s Playhouse about two years and work on Mondays and Wednesdays. The rest of the week I watch my grandchildren and take care of my parents. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cycling and swimming.
Regina Garcia – Speech and Language Patholgist
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa and my masters at Saint Louis University. My passion for becoming a speech-language pathologist started in college working respite, after school program, and job coaching with individuals with disabilities. There, I found how imperative communication is to making connections and improving quality of life. In my free time, I love to be outdoors, travel, and spend time with friends and family.
Abbey Wenzel – Program and Volunteer Manager
Abbey graduated from Butler University with a bachelor's degree in Youth and Community Development with a focus in Sociology and Social Work and a minor in Diverse Learners. After graduation, she found herself in the classroom at numerous substitute teaching positions; from Algebra 1 to 6th grade STEM. She decided to move back home to Illinois, closer to family, to pursue her passion for nonprofit at Associated Equipment Distributors; the international trade association for heavy equipment dealers. Abbey wants to continue her passion for nonprofit with an organization that works more closely with the members of her community, which lead her to GiGi's Playhouse! She lives in Algonquin with her German Shepard Dog, Tucker, and enjoys grilling, golfing, boating, and all things outdoors!