Our Team
Clarimar Zeledon – Founder / Board Member / Head of Fundraising Committee
Clary is originally from Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to Miami in 1989. Her background is in the medical healthcare field, and she currently works as an Account Executive Sales Representative for a cardiac rhythm management company. She is the Founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Miami and is blessed to be the mother of Alejandra. My path to motherhood has been marked by challenges, including the loss of six pregnancies. However, my perseverance was rewarded when I finally witnessed a heartbeat with my daughter, Alejandra. Alejandra, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome prenatally, has ignited a deep passion within me to support families facing similar experiences. I am drawn to GiGi’s Playhouse's mission of empowering individuals with Down syndrome. Clary’s advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome began with Alejandra's birth. She is extremely passionate about what she and others with Down syndrome can achieve.
Miami is in dire need of more resources for children with special needs, especially amidst government budget cuts. The scarcity of free services and inclusive activities for children, young adults, and teens in our community is glaring. I am committed to working towards creating better lives and fostering better individuals through our collective efforts.
GiGi’s Playhouse has been a dream of Clary since she first found out about GiGi’s Playhouse. Clary is most excited about all the ways GiGi’s Playhouse will help children and adults with Down syndrome, and their families, achieve their fullest potentials in every aspect. Clary is excited to bring GiGi’s Playhouse to Miami to not only help her daughter Alejandra, but to also help all families in the Down syndrome community and the families she has yet to meet throughout this journey! She feels truly privileged to work alongside this amazing team to bring free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs to the South Florida Down syndrome community.
Clary es originaria de Caracas, Venezuela, y se mudó a Miami en 1989. Su formación está en el campo de la atención médica, y actualmente trabaja como Representante de Ventas Ejecutivo de Cuentas para una empresa de gestión de ritmo cardíaco. Es la Fundadora de GiGi’s Playhouse Miami y se siente bendecida de ser madre de Alejandra. Mi camino hacia la maternidad ha estado marcado por desafíos, incluida la pérdida de seis embarazos. Sin embargo, mi perseverancia fue recompensada cuando finalmente presencié un latido del corazón con mi hija, Alejandra. Alejandra, quien fue diagnosticada con Síndrome de Down prenatalmente, ha encendido una profunda pasión en mí para apoyar a las familias que enfrentan experiencias similares. Me siento atraída por la misión de GiGi’s Playhouse de empoderar a las personas con Síndrome de Down. La defensa de Clary por las personas con Síndrome de Down comenzó con el nacimiento de Alejandra. Estoy extremadamente apasionada por lo que yo y otros con Síndrome de Down podemos lograr.
Miami necesita desesperadamente más recursos para niños con necesidades especiales, especialmente en medio de los recortes presupuestarios del gobierno. La escasez de servicios gratuitos y actividades inclusivas para niños, adultos jóvenes y adolescentes en nuestra comunidad es evidente. Estoy comprometida a trabajar para crear mejores vidas y fomentar mejores individuos a través de nuestros esfuerzos colectivos.
GiGi’s Playhouse ha sido un sueño de Clary desde que se enteró por primera vez de GiGi’s Playhouse. Clary está emocionada por todas las formas en que GiGi’s Playhouse ayudará a niños y adultos con Síndrome de Down, y a sus familias, a alcanzar su máximo potencial en todos los aspectos. ¡Clary está emocionada de llevar GiGi’s Playhouse a Miami no solo para ayudar a su hija Alejandra, sino también para ayudar a todas las familias en la comunidad de Síndrome de Down y a las familias que aún no ha conocido a lo largo de este viaje! Se siente verdaderamente privilegiada de trabajar junto a este increíble equipo para llevar programas educativos, terapéuticos y de desarrollo profesional gratuitos a la comunidad de Síndrome de Down del sur de Florida.
Marquis Gilbert, Board President
I come to South Florida as a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with experience working with youth in various capacities and settings throughout my career. I am the co-founder and Executive Director of H2O Community Development Corporation, a non-profit organization that serves arts programming needs of community organizations through a mobile digital music and video production program in Milwaukee, working with community partners such as Milwaukee Public Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. I also have many years of experience working with youth experiencing trauma as a runaway shelter crisis intake person. My skill set also extends into working with kids with special needs as for 17 years I worked part-time as a non-registered behavioral technician and daily living skills provider for a child diagnosed with Autism. When I am not working with youth, I am helping families financially as a Life Insurance Agent and a Registered Investment Broker with Primerica Financial Services. I come to GiGi’s Playhouse Miami as a volunteer with a desire to learn more about youth with Down Syndrome and the needs of the families that support them. It is my desire to make a positive impact supporting the therapeutic services and events that promote inclusion in the community and celebrate the talents and achievements of the youth and young adults with Down Syndrome.
Stacey Brown - Treasurer
Stacey has a background in finance and business administration. She believes in being involved with the community and making it more inclusive so we can function in a world where everybody’s needs are met. A Playhouse in Miami will bridge the gap between children with Down syndrome and others, infusing awareness and providing a place where individuals with Down syndrome are empowered to be all that they can be.
Mi educación es en finanzas y administración de empresas. Estar involucrada en mi comunidad y hacerlo más inclusivo y funcionar como un lugar donde se satisfacen las necesidades de todos, es un privilegio y una bendición. Así que me ofrezco de voluntario en c 's Playhouse para apoyar los niños y adultos con síndrome de Down infundiendo conciencia y brindando un lugar en el que tienen la capacidad de ser todo lo que pueden ser.
Kevin Mueller - Fundraising
Kevin works in the produce industry and on the weekends is Mr. Mom, while his wife Rizza works as a nurse. He has a Bachelors in Marketing from Michigan State University. Kevin moved to Miami in 2007 where he met his wife a few years later and started to raise his family. Kevin has two children, Kaelin who is the older sister and Kyle, the younger brother who was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Trying to find a balance for both kids isn’t always easy, but their family finds ways to keep everyone involved in different activities. Kevin first learned about GiGi’s Playhouse when his wife asked Kevin to attend a meeting about a program that could eventually help Kyle and help grow an organization that was centered on helping individuals who have Down syndrome. He knows that with hard work he can provide for his son and family the programs that are desperately needed in order to help his own son and many like him in the South Florida region. Kevin can’t wait to see a GiGi’s Playhouse open in Miami and help the community that he lives in.
Kevin trabaja en la industria de productos agrícultura y los fines de semana es el Sr. Mamá, mientras que su esposa Rizza trabaja como enfermera. Es licenciado en Marketing por la Universidad del Estado de Michigan. Kevin se mudó a Miami en el 2007, donde conoció a su esposa unos años más tarde y comenzó a criar a su familia. Kevin tiene dos hijos, Kaelin que es la hermana mayor y Kyle, el hermano menor que fue diagnosticado con síndrome de Down. Tratar de encontrar un equilibrio para ambos niños no siempre es fácil, pero su familia encuentra maneras de mantener a todos involucrados en diferentes actividades. Kevin se enteró por primera vez de GiGi's Playhouse cuando su esposa le pidió a Kevin que asistiera a una reunión sobre un programa que eventualmente podría ayudar a Kyle y ayudar a desarrollar una organización centrada en ayudar a las personas que tienen síndrome de Down. Él sabe que con trabajar duro puede proporcionar a su hijo y familia los programas que se necesitan para ayudar a su propio hijo y a muchos como él en la región del Sur de la Florida. Kevin no puede esperar que abre un GiGI’s Playhouse en Miami para ayudar a la comunidad en la que vive.
Sandra Angulo - Outreach
Sandra was born in Chicago-IL, and then moved to Colombia-SA where she obtained her degree and specialization in Psychology from Javeriana University. She worked for more than 10 years as a Psycologist there and was a Vice-President for Colfondos-Citigroup. In 1998 Sandra moved back to the United States and currently works as the Family Resources Specialist at Early Steps Program, University of Miami. Sandra is the mom of three beautiful girls. As a parent of a young woman with Down Syndrome, Sandra is committed to helping others and advocating for the acceptance and respect of children and adults with disabilities... She is excited to be part of GiGi’s Playhouse!!
Sandra nació en Chicago, Illinois, después de algunos años se mudó a Colombia-SA donde obtuvo su licenciatura y especialización en psicología de la Universidad Javeriana. Trabajó más de 10 años como psicologa. Fue una de las vicepresidentas de Colfondos-Citigroup. Ella se mudó a los Estados Unidos hace 21 años. Ella es la madre de 3 hermosas chicas. Como madre de una joven con síndrome de Down, se ha comprometido a ayudar a los demás y aboga por la aceptación y el respeto de los niños y adultos con discapacidades. Sandra actualmente trabaja como especialista en recursos familiares en el programa Early Steps en la Universidad de Miami. ¡¡Y está muy emocionado por ser parte de GiGi's Playhouse!!
Melaine Negueruela
Melaine Negueruela is a South Florida native with a professional background in healthcare as an ultrasound tech, specializing in the cardiovascular system. She met then-not-yet GiGi’s Playhouse Miami founder, Clary Zeledon, through her professional circle, and they developed a friendship and business partnership, which ultimately led to the successful launch and opening of the Miami Lakes Playhouse in 2021. Melaine has a genuine passion for serving others and works tirelessly on behalf of GiGi’s Playhouse to foster the mission of acceptance for all, including individuals with Down syndrome and others special needs. Melaine is a dedicated wife and mother of 3, who gives generously of her time as a parent volunteer for PALS, event organizing for community non-profits, and serving on various committees of the executive board of GiGi’s Playhouse Miami. Melaine is also a licensed life insurance agent helping families with estate creation and other financial services. When she’s not saving lives and helping the community, Melainie loves to relax, travel and host family gatherings.
Karla Acosta, Community Volunteer Coordinator
Karla Acosta is New York-born but spent her formative years in Miami when her family relocated to the Sunshine State. She holds degrees in both business and criminal justice, and is an educator, teaching students, including those with autism and Down syndrome. Karla is heavily involved in community work and social organizations. She was a recipient of the Town of Miami Lake’s Women of Distinction Award in 2021 and currently serves on the town’s Cultural Affairs Committee. Karla is also an active member of both the Rotary Club of Coral Gables and the Lions Club of Miami Springs Karla became involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Miami in its inaugural year, answering the call for volunteers on social media, and she now serves as Community Volunteer Coordinator. Karla’s community ties to Miami Lakes are deep and she believes strongly in serving her community, following in the footsteps of her socially and community engaged parents. Karla and her husband, Jay Lazala, are owners of Image Barber Studio, a sponsor of GiGi’s Playhouse events each year, providing in-kind support and critical supplies for events such as our annual GiGiFiT Acceptance Walk and 5k. Karla and Jay live in the Miami Lakes community and are proud parents to son, Robert, and daughter, Eli Helena. Karla loves to travel, spend time with her family and give generously of her time to help others.
Karla Acosta nació en Nueva York pero pasó sus años de formación en Miami cuando su familia se mudó al Estado del Sol. Tiene títulos en administración de empresas y justicia penal, y es educadora y enseña a estudiantes, incluidos aquellos con autismo y síndrome de Down. Karla está muy involucrada en trabajo comunitario y organizaciones sociales. Recibió el Premio Mujeres Distinguidas de la ciudad de Miami Lake en 2021 y actualmente forma parte del Comité de Asuntos Culturales de la ciudad. Karla también es miembro activo tanto del Club Rotario de Coral Gables como del Club de Leones de Miami Springs. Karla se involucró con GiGi's Playhouse Miami en su año inaugural, respondiendo al llamado de voluntarios en las redes sociales, y ahora se desempeña como Coordinadora de Voluntarios Comunitarios. . Los vínculos comunitarios de Karla con Miami Lakes son profundos y ella cree firmemente en servir a su comunidad, siguiendo los pasos de sus padres comprometidos socialmente y con la comunidad. Karla y su esposo, Jay Lazala, son propietarios de Image Barber Studio, un patrocinador de los eventos de GiGi's Playhouse cada año, que brinda apoyo en especie y suministros críticos para eventos como nuestra caminata anual de aceptación GiGiFiT y 5k. Karla y Jay viven en la comunidad de Miami Lakes y son padres orgullosos de su hijo Robert y su hija Eli Helena. A Karla le encanta viajar, pasar tiempo con su familia y dar generosamente su tiempo para ayudar a los demás.
A special thank you to all our volunteers who have helped our launch for our Miami Playhouse:
Max Lehman, Jorge & Iris Zambrano, Merly Palma, Alex Zeledon, Kenya Mireya, Waleska Castro, Leo Zeledon, Paula Gonzalez, Yolandita Gonzalez, Yasser & Candice Heyaime, Edgar Moscoso, Felix Casado, Luis Bustamante, Rosalinda Fonseca and Melaine Neguereula