Leadership Team

The day-to-day work of GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee is led by a small but dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality, FREE programs and supporting every family who walks through our doors.

Sara Van Deurzen Operations Director

Sara Van Deurzen
Operations Director
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Since 2017, Sara has led GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee, supporting families while overseeing daily operations, strategic planning, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships. She works to ensure every program remains purposeful, welcoming, and free of charge for the hundreds of families that walk through our doors.

With more than 20 years of experience in special education and leadership, Sara brings both professional expertise and personal commitment to her role. She believes deeply in high expectations and in every individual’s ability to grow when provided the right environment, consistent encouragement, and strong systems of support. Under her leadership, the Playhouse has strengthened its infrastructure, expanded volunteer engagement, and deepened its impact throughout the Milwaukee community.

Sara is passionate about building culture; where families feel seen, volunteers feel valued, and staff are empowered to lead with clarity and confidence. She is especially committed to developing sustainable systems that ensure the Playhouse can serve families for generations to come.

Outside of GiGi’s, Sara enjoys knitting, mentoring with her son’s robotics team (#4786), and advocating for inclusive opportunities as the parent of a daughter with a significant disability. She lives in Bayside, Wisconsin, with her husband and two children

Becky Diamond Program & Volunteer Coordinator

Becky Diamond
Program and Volunteer Coordinator
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Becky joined the GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee team as a part-time Program and Volunteer Coordinator in January 2025. She brings more than 25 years of teaching experience in both general and special education, with a career spanning early childhood through secondary education.

A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Becky became a Certified Pastry Chef in 2012, combining her passion for teaching and entrepreneurship by leading cooking classes for children of all ages and abilities. She also recently earned certification in Disability Inclusion and Universal Design from the University of Michigan. As a parent to a child with a disability, Becky brings both professional expertise and lived experience to creating welcoming, accessible environments for all

Her connection to GiGi’s began in 2017 as a volunteer with the Fantastic Friends program. Inspired by the community’s belief in the potential of every individual, Becky continued volunteering over the years, deepening her commitment to the Playhouse’s mission.

Beyond her work at GiGi’s, Becky advocates for inclusion, equity, and access, meeting annually with local and state representatives to advance legislation supporting medical research, accessibility, and civil rights. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and making the most of Wisconsin’s warmer months outdoors.

Board of Directors

Erin Anderson President

Erin Anderson
President
Johnson Controls, Inc

Sue Pelikan Past President

Sue Pelikan
Past-President
Event Chair

Barry Goldman Vice President

Barry Goldman
Vice President
Barry J. Goldman, CPA, LLC

Joel Anderson Treasurer

Joel Anderson
Treasurer
Northwestern Mutual

Katina Patterson Secretary

Katina Patterson
Secretary
Aurora Healthcare

Erin Kogler Board Officer

Erin Kogler
Board Officer
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Becky Archibald Board Officer

Becky Archibald
Board Officer
Kenosha Unified School District

Anne Huebner Board Officer

Anne Huebner
Board Officer
Siegfried Pharmaceuticals

Ryan Mooney Board Officer

Ryan Mooney
Board Officer
Wilson Elser Moskowitz & Dicker LLP

Marie Burrows Board Officer

Marie Burrows
Board Officer

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board is a group of dedicated community members and professionals who offer their expertise, insights, and connections to support the growth and impact of GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee.

Chris VandenHouten-Advisory Board

Chris VandenHouten

Sarah Koehn-Advisory Board

Sarah Koehn

Yaidi Cancel-Martinez-Advisory Board

Yaidi Cancel Martinez

Velecia Baez-Advisory Board

Velecia Baez

Jenna Klatt-Advisory Board

Jenna Klatt

sara hood headshot

Sara Hood

Additional Board Members are desired to support the Milwaukee Playhouse in the following areas. Please contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in any of these committee areas or in joining our Board of Directors.

  • Event planning (assist in planning and hosting parties at GiGi’s)
  • Fundraising (assist in gathering sponsorships, donors, grants, and events related to fundraising)
  • Outreach (assist in connecting with our community and in developing partnerships)
  • Board Development (assist with growing our board and committees)
  • Diversity (assist in reaching areas of the city and beyond to grow our impact)
  • Family engagement (assist in connecting with our families to keep engagement up)
  • Facilities and expansion (aide in determining how we should grow, programs to add, locations to connect with, and how to develop our current space)