Our Team

Alison-Flores

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.   

MeganPhoto

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!

jennifer

Jennifer Spencer, Hugs and Mugs Store Manager

I was born and raised in Minot, ND.  I went to college in Chicago and then some further studies at Olivet Nazarene University.  While I was in college in Chicago I met my husband, Jim.  We have 4 children. Two adult daughters, Annelyse and Ileana and 2 younger boys, Garrison and Oliver.  Jim and I were Salvation Army officers (pastors) for 20+ years.  Some of our earlier appointments were in the Midwest but we spent most of our time in Florida.  We were there for over 16 years.

I love to be creative through crafting and decorating.  Documenting the memories of my children is one of my favorite things to do.  My family also loves to travel.  We love to see our country but or true love is to travel overseas.  Europe and the Middle East are 2 of our favorite places to see.  Our current goals are to get acclimated into our new home here in Illinois.  We look forward to getting to know as much as we can about this beautiful place.

maria

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

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

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!