Our Team
Jessica Hoke – President
Jessica’s passion for GiGi’s Playhouse comes from her personal connection to the successful Raleigh NC playhouse where she and her family benefited from programming before moving to Knoxville. She saw firsthand the amazing impact the purposeful programming not only had on her family but also her community. She brings 15+ years of experience in early childhood education including specializing in using ASL in the classroom, creating sensory friendly environments, implementing learn through play curriculums, and promoting parent education beyond the school setting. She most recently worked in Knox county schools in a special education preschool setting . Beyond the classroom Jessica is a mom to 4 children, Caleb (21), Elijah (18), Anna (16), and Ben (10). Ben, who has Down syndrome and autism, has shown Jessica and the Hoke family the joy in celebrating small victories, the importance of being part of a community, and the gift of that extra 21st chromosome.
Emily Huffman – Vice President
Emily Huffman's passion for the Down syndrome community began at an early age and has grown into a lifelong commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and celebration of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. She works as an Event Coordinator with UT Conferences and Event Services, bringing creativity, organization, and new ideas to every event she plans. She is excited to use her professional skills to help further the mission and impact of GiGi’s Playhouse Knoxville. She is also an active member of Fellowship Church, where she serves in the Buddy Ministry, supporting individuals with special needs and fostering an inclusive church community. Serving GiGi’s Playhouse Knoxville is both an honor and a joy, and she looks forward to continuing to build a community where every individual is celebrated and empowered to achieve their greatest potential.
Lesley Koboldt – Treasurer
Lesley Koboldt serves as Treasurer for GiGi’s Playhouse Knoxville. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from Milligan College and a Master of Accountancy in Taxation from the University of Tennessee. She spent more than 15 years in public accounting, bringing deep financial expertise and a strong commitment to responsible stewardship to the organization.
Outside of her professional work, Lesley is a busy mom of four—Lucy, Brittain, Lilly Jade, and Ziggy—and proudly embraces the title of “crazy sports mom,” spending much of her time cheering from the sidelines.
Lesley’s passion for GiGi’s Playhouse is deeply personal. Her son Ziggy is rocking that extra chromosome. She is dedicated to helping build a community where Ziggy and others like him have every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a world that too often isn’t designed with them in mind. Through GiGi’s Playhouse Knoxville, Lesley is committed to helping create a place where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted, celebrated, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Rachael Frantz – Board Secretary
Rachael was born and raised in Knoxville and is thrilled to be raising her family in the community where she grew up. Rachael worked for Knox County Schools for six years as a 4th grade teacher, until having twin girls in 2020. After getting a Down syndrome for one of her twins, she decided to stay home and focus on caring for her family. Rachael is an active member of the Knoxville Mennonite Church, coaches her son’s baseball team, and serves on the PTA board at her children's school. Despite being so busy, she was excited to serve first on the GiGi’s Knoxville startup team and now on the Board of Managers. Rachael also leads our programs committee, ensuring that our programs are held to the highest standards.
Lauren Broyles – Member at large
I am Lauren Broyles, M.S., CCC-SLP, a local Speech-Language Pathologist dedicated to supporting children and advocating for inclusive learning environments. With experience in both higher education and the public school system, I have collaborated closely with educators, therapists, and families to help students build communication skills that foster academic success and social connections.
Throughout my career, I have worked with children of varying abilities to develop individualized, functional, and family-centered therapy plans. My professional background has provided me with extensive experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and advocacy. I am now excited to serve the Down Syndrome community in Knoxville as a Member of the Gigi's Playhouse Board.
Originally from Michigan, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders and Leadership from Central Michigan University and my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from East Tennessee State University. I live here with my husband, Brian, and our three children: Parker, Emerson, and Annie.
Chase Bristow – Member at Large
Chase Bristow serves as a Commercial Risk Advisor with Peoples First Tennessee, where he is passionate about helping local businesses protect what they have built and plan confidently for the future. As a Knoxville native, graduate of the University of Tennessee, and alumnus of the Knoxville Fellows Program, Chase developed a deep love for the city of Knoxville and a strong desire to invest in its people and communities.
He has consistently prioritized community involvement, volunteering with organizations such as the Emerald Youth Foundation, The Lighthouse at Austin Homes, Amachi Knoxville, and Knox Area Rescue Ministries. Chase is honored to serve on the board of GiGi's Playhouse Knoxville and is excited to support its mission and the meaningful impact it will have on individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout the Knoxville community
Heather Born – Member at Large
Heather Born is a certified Senior HR Professional (SPHR) with more than a decade of senior leadership experience. Throughout her career, Heather has held various roles in Human Resources supporting unique industries focused on recruitment, onboarding, compensation, and management of the employee lifecycle. Currently, as the Vice President, Human Resources for Paragon Energy Solutions, a Mirion Technologies Company, she’s responsible for leading all HR initiatives and activities across all Paragon’s locations and for the company’s employees around the globe. Heather is a key member of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team and has assisted in over 8 M&A deals during her tenure at Paragon. Originally from East Tennessee, she is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and is married to her husband Chris. Together they have one son.
Heather looks forward to using her professional experience partnered with her calling to help others as we bring GiGi's Playhouse to Knoxville where families will receive the care, knowledge and support the local community is longing for.
Rachel Sales – Member at Large
Rachel has called Knoxville home for over 30 years and her connections to the Down syndrome community are invaluable in reaching families and sharing the mission of the Playhouse. Rachel uses her background in elementary education and her active involvement in the Knoxville community to spread the word about the importance of inclusion and connection for all. Since the birth of her son, Luke (9), Rachel and her family have been extremely active in raising Down syndrome awareness and acceptance. She continues that mission by serving on the Board of Managers and as our New Family Coordinator.
Kathryn Kaduck - Member At Large
Kathryn’s career as an economic expert in litigation, bringing strong analytical and report-writing expertise, helps her lead the board through grant research and writing. Kathryn is busy mom of 3 children, including Freddie (3) who has Down syndrome.
Kathryn is passionate about bringing GiGi’s Playhouse to Knoxville, having witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of community support for individuals with disabilities. In her hometown, the presence of GiGi’s Playhouse sparked a ripple effect beyond just the playhouse walls. She believes GiGi’s Playhouse plays a vital role in normalizing the public presence of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, increasing visibility, fostering connection, and advancing inclusion. Kathryn is excited to help bring that same sense of belonging and opportunity to families in the Knoxville community.
Evan Burton MD – Member at Large
Evan Burton is a Knoxville-based physician, dually certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Throughout his training and practice, the Down syndrome community has always held a special place in his heart. He has seen first-hand the resources and support organizations such as Gigi’s Playhouse can provide for his patients and their families and is excited to help further the impact Gigi’s can have on the Knoxville community.
Heather Smith – Member at Large
Heather Smith is a Knoxville native with more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. She earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Finance and her MBA from the University of Tennessee and has built a career centered on financial leadership, strategic planning, and helping organizations achieve their goals.
Outside of her professional career, Heather is passionate about serving her community. She has volunteered with Knox County Mobile Meals since 2019, helping provide support and connection to local residents in need. Heather enjoys giving back and believes in the importance of strengthening the community through service.