Our Team
Irma Rodriguez, Site Manager
Irma is the mother of two vibrant and playful young girls who love random dancing parties in their house. She grew up in Houston, Texas and attended the University of Houston - Downtown where she earned a Bachelor of Science. She started her nonprofit career at Aldine ISD with the Aldine Education Foundation. She, her husband, and their girls love driving around Houston discovering new restaurants. Irma is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their dream goals.
Destiny Childs, Program and Volunteer Coordinator
Destiny is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She started her journey in Houston, Texas where she graduated from The University of Houston with her Bachelors of Science in Public Health and minor in Psychology. Destiny has immersed herself with helping children grow and learn since a young age. She started her journey at GiGi's Playhouse Houston as an intern during her last semester of college. During her internship, she expressed her passion for empowering the community by being the program lead for GiGi's Kitchen. Destiny always brings her positive energy to the playhouse and is excited about continuing her journey with the GiGi's community and spreading her passion for fulfilling a purpose for all.
Claudia Lopez, Co-President
Claudia is a Mexico City native raised in Houston. Community engagement was instilled in her at a young age as evidenced by the numerous organizations she has supported in our city. Claudia is a graduate of the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. She previously worked in finance functions at a global energy company and in the external assurance practice of a multinational public accounting firm, during which she resided in Houston and abroad.
She is married to José and together raise their son and daughter in the heart of Houston. Her son’s diagnosis brought them to GiGi’s Playhouse Houston where her son has found a second home amongst a community that accepts and empowers him.
Claudia’s passion to serve the community has evolved into advocating for our Down syndrome community. She says, ¡Encantada de servir a nuestra comunidad!
Angela Currie, Co-President
Angela grew up in Midland, TX and moved to Houston shortly after graduating from Texas A&M University with a BS in Nutrition Sciences and completing her dietetic internship in North Carolina. She has spent her career as a clinical dietitian at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Hermann Hospital. Angela came to know about GiGi’s Playhouse Houston in 2019 while pregnant with her first child, a baby girl who happened to have Down syndrome. GiGi’s Playhouse became a safe haven for her family and a place where her beautiful Jillian thrived. Jillian is now a sweet, sassy, bright 3 ½-year-old and the best big sister to her 1-year-old brother, Jonathan. She loves going to GiGi’s where she gets to see her friends and participate in fun programs that are tailored to her unique skills and abilities. Angela is thrilled to be a part of the GiGi’s family to help support other families and continue to spread the message of acceptance for all!
Brad Honer, Board Member
Brad lives in Houston, TX with his wife, Aubrey, and their three children. Their oldest, Elliott, has Down syndrome, and since its opening GiGi’s Playhouse Houston has served as a source of community, therapeutic fun programming, and resources for their family. Since graduating Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Economics, Brad has spent in his career in Banking & Wealth Management where he enjoys helping families and institutions achieve their financial and investment goals. He is honored to serve GiGi’s Playhouse Houston in its mission to support individuals with Down syndrome and spread acceptance for all across our big, dynamic city.
Natalie Hinkley, Board Member
Natalie lives in Houston with her husband Aaron and their cat, Irene. She grew up in Katy, TX, and went on to attend the University of North Texas earning a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Natalie has been working in accounting roles for going on 16 years and is currently working towards earning her CPA designation, while also managing the accounting department of a security company. Natalie is very excited to further the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse and is so happy to be joining the GiGi’s community!
Tracy Drogosek, Board Member
Tracy Drogosek a pediatric Occupational Therapist. She received her undergraduate degree in Occupational Science and her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Worcester State University in Massachusetts. She moved to Texas in 2013 and has been working at outpatient facilities for pediatrics since then. Tracy has experience with children and adults with various abilities and strengths for 8+ years. She enjoys teaching youths ways to make play fun, functional and purposeful. Tracy got into occupational therapy after a family friend had her shadow his son in different therapy settings, where she fell in love with the profession. During her college years, she worked as a respite caregiver and also at a sleep-away camp for adults and children with special needs called Camp Harkness that solidified her love of helping others be the best version of themselves and achieve their fullest potential.
Jennifer Merritt
Jennifer is a stay at home - homeschool mom to 6 kids - Kennedy (12), Caleb (10), Carson (8), Colton (6), Kinsley (3) and Kyla (16 months). Her daughter, Kennedy, has Down syndrome. Jennifer, her husband, Marlon, and their children relocated to the Houston area in 2018. Prior to that, they resided in Charlotte, NC and she was a part of the startup team for the GiGi’s Playhouse location there. She has a Masters’ Degree in Healthcare Management and before having children, she worked in various aspects of the healthcare industry. When Kennedy was born, Jennifer made it her mission to promote inclusion and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome. She greatly enjoyed her time with the Charlotte team and is excited to share her passion with the Houston community.
Dr. Gillian Givens PT, DPT
Dr. Gillian Givens PT, DPT is originally from Columbus, Ohio and received her B.A. in Psychology from The Ohio State University then completed her Doctor in Physical Therapy at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia in 2013.
Gillian has 10 years of clinical experience and has treated a wide array of pediatric age ranges, medical complexities, and diagnoses in both inpatient and home health settings. Gillian is passionate about quality of life and facilitating independence with all patients (and families) that she treats.
Gillian has been volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse Houston for a few years now, and has immensely enjoyed the creativity, fun and advocacy that GiGi’s provides for their children and families. She can’t wait to see the continued growth and blessings that the GiGi’s Playhouse Houston community will provide in 2023 and onward!