Our Team
Kelly Antonson, Executive Director
Kelly started as our Site Manager in March 2020, was promoted to Site Director in December 2021 and was promoted to Executive Director in June 2024 . She started with our Playhouse as a volunteer in early 2018 with various roles. She has a background in Brand Marketing and has been using her experience to manage all aspects of the Playhouse.
Kelly does not have anyone in her family with Down syndrome but she knows and loves a lot of people that do! She learned about GiGi’s Playhouse through her daughter’s all-star cheerleading gym which has several athletes that also participate in GiGi’s programs!
She and her husband live in Cottage Grove, WI, and have two adult children.
Courtney Gamer, Program and Volunteer Manager
Courtney joined our team in June 2022 as our Program and Volunteer Manager. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2020 and has broad experience in Education, Administrative Operations and Environmental Studies.
Inspiring, empowering, and educating others are core principles Courtney looks forward to progressing in her role. She loves supporting GiGi's and all the wonderful people and families they work with.
Outside of GiGi's, Courtney coaches youth volleyball and works part-time at Aldo Leopold Nature Center as an Environmental Educator and Sustainable Events Assistant.
Anne Ernst, Operations and One-on-One Coordinator
Anne joined the Madison Playhouse as a Math Coordinator in January 2022. She expanded her volunteer role to include Literacy Coordination later that year and was thrilled when the position of Operations/1 on 1 Coordinator opened up Fall of 2023. Before joining our Playhouse, Anne spent 13 years as a Pediatric Physical Therapist, primarily in Early Intervention but also in Schools and Outpatient Clinics.
After spending several years as a stay-at-home mom, Anne wanted to get involved in the community again in a more meaningful way. GiGi’s Playhouse was a perfect fit given her background and love of children with different abilities, especially children with Down syndrome.
Anne has two children and also volunteers at their school. She also loves to travel with her children and husband, near and far.
Liz Delsandro, Speech and Language Pathologist
Liz Delsandro is a speech-language pathologist and clinical supervisor with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Liz is privileged to supervise graduate student clinicians providing services through the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program at GiGi's Playhouse-Madison. She has overseen the program since June 2023. Liz has worked in two University Centers for Excellence in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Waisman Center, and has been a direct service provider, assistive technology trainer, and autism consultant in the public schools.
Outside of GiGi's and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Liz spends time exploring Wisconsin with her husband, gardening, making art, and thrifting.
Regan Vanden Boogard - Math and Literacy Co-Coordinator
Regan is a software product leader and a parent to a child with Down Syndrome. Inspired by her daughter and the community, Regan is excited to help support the team, the volunteers, and all the families participating in the math and literacy tutoring program.
In her free time, Regan enjoys traveling, reading, playing games, and skiing with her family of four.
Missy Miller, GiGiFIT Teen and Adult Program Leader
Miss Missy has been in the Recreation Field her whole life! Recreation and providng fun for everyone has been a passion of hers since as long as she can remember. She attended Western Illinois University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Administration and a double minor in Coaching & Hospitality Management. She moved to the Madison Area in 2011, to take a full-time position with Monona Parks & Recreation. You might see her around town at the outdoor pool, local park or local gymnasium.
On her free time, she likes to spend time boating with her husband and 3 kids, Brandon, Brenda & Millie, rollerblading around town and spending countless hours maintaining her bird and butterfly garden.
She is happy to join team GiGi’s’s!
Isabella Garthune, Intern
Isabella (Bella), is a current Programs Intern for our Fall 2024 Session. She is both a Literacy & Math Tutor, and Co-Program Leader for our adult Achievers program. Bella is in her Senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in rehabilitation psychology, with plans to become an occupational therapist after graduation. In her free time, Bella enjoys baking, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. Bella is so excited to join GiGi's, and is very grateful to be a part of the team!
Ava Usher, Intern
Ava is a current Programs Intern for our Fall 2024 Session. She is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and a dedicated supporter of GiGi's Playhouse. Originally from metro-Detroit, Michigan, Ava is a current junior at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, majoring in Rehabilitation Psychology with a minor in both Education Policy Studies and Public Policy. Ava will be joining our Volunteer team as a Program Co-Leader for our adult ‘Achievers’ Program, and as a Program Assistant for our TeenTastic + GiGi’s Kitchen Teen program. She believes in creating inclusive environments that empower and uplift every individual. Ava is excited to contribute to the community, sharing resources and fostering connections that promote growth, learning, and joy for all.
Marley Kravitz, Intern
Marley is a current Programs Intern for our Fall 2024 Session. Marley is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Rehabilitation Psychology with minors in both Adapted Fitness and Athletic Healthcare. She is currently volunteering for her first time at GiGi's as a Program Assistant for GiGiFit and Fantastic Friends, as well as a Tutor for math. She has spent the last 8 years working in recreation programs and can't wait to continue doing so at GiGi's. In her free time, she loves traveling, exercising, spending time with frien ds and family, and listening to music. She is very excited to join GiGi's!