Our Team
Liz Richards - Executive Director
Liz Richards is so excited to be joining the GiGi’s team as the Executive Director! After graduating from IUPUI, she moved to South Bend to become the Director of Camp Millhouse, a nonprofit summer camp for children and adults with disabilities. From there she continued working in the nonprofit field and became an Employment Consultant and eventually the Family Services Program Manager at another organization that serves individuals with disabilities, ADEC Inc. For the last few years, she has served as the Director of The Recovery Café in Lafayette Indiana, but is thrilled to finally be back in Indianapolis where most of her family resides. Liz enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends and has recently welcomed a new puppy, Miller, to the family!
Riley Forsythe - Operations Manager
Born and raised as a Hoosier, Riley attended Manchester University where she met her husband, Tanner. Riley started her GiGi's Playhouse journey as an intern at GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne and went on to graduate with a degree in special education. Since then, she has become our Operations Manager, guiding us through a pandemic and more. Outside of work, Riley is a mother who loves hiking, spending time at the lake, searching for new and exciting local restaurants and ending the day on her back porch watching the sunset.
Adrienne Numbers – Programs Manager
Adrienne Numbers, a recent UIndy grad with a doctorate in Occupational Therapy and a Master of Science in Aging Studies, is joining the GiGi's Playhouse Indianapolis team! Adrienne's passion for helping individuals with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy blossomed during her childhood, thanks to her lifelong friend David (who has Down syndrome) and stepsister Debrah (who has cerebral palsy).
After a decade in healthcare marketing and sales, Adrienne decided to switch gears and pursue her dream of providing hands-on care. She's always had her eye on GiGi's Playhouse and, during her final year at UIndy, jumped at the chance to complete her Capstone project at GiGi's Playhouse Indianapolis. The rest, as they say, is history!
When she's not busy spreading joy at GiGi's Playhouse Indianapolis, you can find Adrienne exploring new places with her son Jakobi Lynn and boyfriend Justin. And how will you spot Adrienne in a crowd? Just look for the person who's always got everyone out on the dance floor! With her boundless energy, love, and expertise, Adrienne is thrilled to be part of the GiGi's Playhouse Indianapolis family!
Megan Peck - Board President
Megan, a fierce advocate and leader in our community, went to school to learn how to be the “perfect” parent where she double-mastered in early childhood education and family psychotherapy. She spent 8 years studying and working in the most diverse and varied socio-economic part of the country then became a licensed therapist. Then, her son Nolan was born with 47 chromosomes and 6 holes in his heart. During Nolan’s time at Riley, she delved back into her education with new perspective. Megan completed her fellowship at Indiana University in Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities (LEND) then became the Founding President of the Indianapolis location of GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center, where she assembled and led a team of 15 people from idea to inception to grand opening! Now, nearly 10 years later, Megan still holds a leadership role at GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis.
Claire Humphrey – Board Member
Claire is thrilled to join the board! She is a born and raised Hoosier originally from South Bend. She graduated from Holy Cross College and moved to Indianapolis upon graduation for Teach For America. She taught in Indianapolis Public Schools while earning her Master’s in Teaching from Marian University.
Claire has been serving in education for over 13 years with roles ranging from kindergarten through higher education. In her various roles she has had the unique opportunity to create programming from the ground up and considers herself to be a community builder. Claire currently works as a Career Coach with Christel House International.
Away from work, Claire travels as often as she can and is always dreaming up her adventure. She enjoys live theatre, concerts, trying new restaurants, and exploring all the fun events in Indianapolis. The outdoors is her happy place. She is the aunt to 16 nieces and nephews, one of whom (ironically named Gigi!) has Down Syndrome. Spending time with her family and friends brings her the most joy.
Claire Liechty – Board Member
Claire received her MS in Recreational Therapy and BFA in Dance during her time at Indiana University and now enjoys working as a recreational therapist, dance instructor and performer around the Indy area. Her initial connection to the GiGi’s community began with her older sister, Caroline, who has Down syndrome and became a GiGi’s participant soon after the doors opened here in Indianapolis while Claire volunteered with programming including GiGiFIT Adult and LMNOP in recent years. She loves the Down syndrome community beyond expression and is thrilled to be furthering her involvement with GiGi’s as a Board Member!
Fabiana Ryan – Board Member
Fabiana Ryan, originally from Brazil, moved to Indianapolis 21 years ago to be closer to her beloved sister, Ana Paula. Known affectionately as Fabi, she lives in Zionsville with her 10-year-old son, Liam, who she describes as "the yin to my yang," and their two cats, Black Panther and Violet. Fabi holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been with a financial institution for over 12 years.
Fabi has always been passionate about bringing joy to others, whether as a child, a college student, or in her professional life. She takes pride in making people feel included, accepted, and seen, often using humor to brighten their day. She values celebrating differences and finding unique qualities in everyone. Fabi has long had a special place in her heart for individuals with Down Syndrome. Inspired by her friend's remarkable son, Matteus, in Brazil, she decided to become actively involved with GiGi’s Playhouse, supporting the Down Syndrome community.