Our Team
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, 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, Math and Literacy Co-Coordinator
Anne is a Pediatric Physical Therapist and currently stays home with her two children. She spent the majority of her career working in Early Intervention, but also spent some time in Schools and Outpatient Clinics. Anne became a PT because she has a cousin with Cerebral Palsy.
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 also volunteers at her children’s school, Hickory Hill Academy, and loves to travel with her family.
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.
Nicole Hartman, GiGiFIT Toddler and Kid Program Leader
Nicole is a Physical Therapist Assistant who graduated in 2017 and has been treating for 5 years in various outpatient clinics. Nicole has always had a passion for working with the pediatric population and loves all the new things she learns every day from each child! Nicole currently works at CI Pediatric Therapy Center and is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with GiGi's playhouse to spread the gift of movement and strength!
Outside of therapy, Nicole loves spending time with her family and, almost one year old, son! She likes to explore different state parks and all the fun things Madison has to offer!
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!