Our Team

Kelly-Antonson

Kelly Antonson, Site Director

Kelly started as our Site Manager in March 2020 and was promoted to Site Director in December 2021. 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 college-aged children. 

Courtney-Gamer

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

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.

regan.

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

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!

Nicole-Hofslien

Nicole Hofslien, GiGiFIT Toddler and Kids Program Leader

Niki is a Physical Therapist who graduated in 2022 and currently works at CI Pediatric Therapy Centers. Niki has always had a passion for working with the pediatric population and has taught dance and movement classes to many children in Madison and Minnesota. Niki is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with GiGi's playhouse and spread the joy of movement and strength! Outside of therapy, Niki loves spending time with her family and her one-eyed cat! She likes to explore Madison, go to the farmer's market, go paddle boarding and hiking, and go to Badger football games

deidre

Deidre Oie, GiGiFIT Kids Program Leader

Deidre is a physical therapist assistant who has been working at CI Pediatric Therapy Centers for about 7 years. Deidre has worked with children with many different diagnoses. She loves working with kids and coming up with new and creative ideas to help achieve their goals. Deidre is excited to collaborate with GiGi’s playhouse to assist each member with their gross motor skills and have a blast while doing it!

Spring Interns

penn

Penn Bostian - Intern

Penn has been an intern at the Madison Playhouse since August 2023 as he studies Social Work at Aurora University. GiGi’s has given Penn a chance to practice his passion for Social Work and assisting others in personal growth while working with participants and their families. In his spare time, Penn enjoys caring for his pets, trying new recipes, and listening to podcasts.

ayden

Ayden

Ayden has been a Volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse since the Fall of 2023, and is now currently interning for the Spring Semester. Ayden is currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a degree in rehabilitation psychology, plans to further her studies in counseling psychology at the master's level following her graduation in the upcoming spring. GiGi's has provided Ayden with the opportunity to align herself with an organization she wholeheartedly believes in and has always been passionate about. This Spring, Ayden will be supporting many of our Group Programs, most frequently on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. She’ll also be tutoring in math. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Ayden cherishes her free time spent with family, friends, and her canine companions. She is overjoyed to be а part of the GiGi’ѕ team!

Nikki

Nikki

Nikki has volunteered at the Madison Playhouse since May 2023 and started interning this January. She studies rehabilitation psychology and health promotion & health equity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Nikki has worked with people with disabilities for seven years and when she learned about GiGi’s Playhouse, she knew she had to join! Nikki’s primary focus at the Madison Playhouse is leading our signature adult program, Fantastic Friends. She is also highly involved with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse, leading GiGi’s Kitchen Adult and Tutoring. In her free time, Nikki loves to bake all types of desserts, complete jigsaw puzzles, and spend time with her friends.

Amelia

Amelia joined the playhouse in October 2023 as a volunteer for GiGiFIT and GiGi's Kitchen Adult programs. She is excited to continue at the Playhouse in 2024 as a Programs intern, assisting with GiGiFIT Adult again, and tutoring in math. She is currently attending UW-Madison majoring in Rehabilitation Psychology and Health Promotion Health Equity and is on the pre-Occupational Therapy track. In her free time, she enjoys taking group fitness classes, visiting local restaurants with friends, and taking walks outside.

Sarah

Sarah

Sarah is joining the GiGi’s Playhouse intern team this Spring, with her primary focus being on our signature Birth-3 Program ‘LMNOP’. She is a current UW-Madison student studying Rehabilitation Psychology and completing minors in Global Health and Promoting Activities for Diverse Abilities. She hopes to pursue occupational therapy as a career and is excited to gain meaningful experience working with participants and families at GiGi’s.

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys hiking, doing puzzles, and going home to Milwaukee to spend time with her family.