{"id":141626,"date":"2023-07-08T16:18:27","date_gmt":"2023-07-08T21:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/?page_id=141626"},"modified":"2023-07-25T17:32:37","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T22:32:37","slug":"our-founders","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/our-founders\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Founders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

Founding Team<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\"Photo-Oct-17-5-36-35-PM.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Sandy\"\n\t

Sandy Juarez, Founding President<\/h3>\n

Sandy is a Certified Project Manager with expertise in financial management, operations analysis and performance monitoring. She has a teenage daughter, Ella, with Down syndrome who amazes her every day! She wants to show the world that Ella is capable, she is worthy, and she is loved. The free therapeutic and educational programs that GiGi’s offers to individuals are very much needed in the greater New Orleans area, and Sandy loves the Generation G campaign which encourages people to “Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind.” In other words, to accept her daughter for who she is, and to get to know her talents and abilities.<\/p>\n

\n

Sandy Juarez, Primer Presidente<\/h3>\n

Sandy es Gerente de Proyectos Certificada con experiencia en gesti\u00f3n financiera, an\u00e1lisis de operaciones y seguimiento de desempe\u00f1o. Tiene una hija adolescente con s\u00edndrome de Down, Ella, quien la sorprende cada d\u00eda. Sandy quiere mostrarle al mundo que Ella es capaz, llena de valores y amada. Los programas terap\u00e9uticos y educativos gratuitos que ofrece GiGi’s a las personas, son muy necesarios en el \u00e1rea metropolitana de Nueva Orleans y Sandy est\u00e1 encantada con la campa\u00f1a de la Generaci\u00f3n G, la cual motiva a las personas a “aceptarse, a ser generosos y a ser amables.” En otras palabras, a aceptar a su hija tal como es y a llegar a conocer todos sus talentos y habilidades.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Bob-Kimbro\"\n\t

Bob Kimbro, Founding Vice-President<\/h3>\n

Bob is a CPA who has over 40 years of experience in public accounting and consulting. He started his career with Arthur Andersen and in 2002 moved to EY, after the demise of the Andersen firm. In 2005, Bob was appointed as the Office Managing Partner for the EY Louisiana practice. In that role he led a practice with over 10 partners and approximately 200 professionals providing audit, advisory, tax and transaction advisory services to businesses throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. He retired from public accounting in 2018 and since that time has assisted both nonprofits and small organizations with fundraising and organizational process development. He currently serves on the Boards of United Way of Southeast Louisiana; the Louisiana\/Mississippi chapter of the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society and GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans. Bob is committed to supporting GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans to enable those individuals with Down syndrome to fully develop their physical skills and knowledge to allow them to live their lives to their fullest, just as we envision for everyone.<\/p>\n

\n

Bob Kimbro, Primer Vicepresidente<\/h3>\n

Bob es Contador P\u00fablico Certificado que posee m\u00e1s de 40 a\u00f1os de experiencia en contabilidad p\u00fablica y consultor\u00edas. Inici\u00f3 su carrera en Arthur Andersen y en el 2002, se fue a trabajar en EY luego de la desaparici\u00f3n de la firma Andersen. En 2005, Bob fue designado como el Socio Gerente de la oficina de EY en Luisiana. En ese cargo, dirigi\u00f3 una pr\u00e1ctica con m\u00e1s de 10 socios y aproximadamente 200 profesionales, brindando servicios de auditor\u00eda, asesor\u00eda y servicios de consejer\u00eda de tr\u00e1mites fiscales de impuestos a empresas en Luisiana y Mississippi. En 2018 se retir\u00f3 del sector de la contabilidad p\u00fablica y, desde entonces, se ha dedicado a ayudar organizaciones sin fines de lucro y a peque\u00f1as organizaciones con la recaudaci\u00f3n de fondos y el desarrollo de procesos organizacionales. En la actualidad, es miembro de las juntas directivas de United Way of Southeast Louisiana, de Leukemia & Lymphoma Society de Luisiana y Mississippi, y de GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans. Bob se ha comprometido a apoyar al GiGi’s Playhouse de Nueva Orleans para permitir que las personas con s\u00edndrome de Down desarrollen plenamente sus habilidades f\u00edsicas y sus conocimientos, para que puedan vivir sus vidas al m\u00e1ximo, tal como vislumbramos que sea para todos.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Lisa\n\t

Lisa DiRe Harris, Founding Secretary<\/h3>\n

Lisa is a Software Test Engineer. Her beautiful teenage daughter has Down syndrome. She inspires Lisa every day with her warmth, enthusiasm, openness to trying new things, and amazing sense of humor! She supports GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans so that those in our community whose lives are touched by Down syndrome have a welcoming place they can go to for support every step of the way – from new parents sharing ideas with one another through adult career, fitness, and social programming. She is so excited to make these opportunities available to families!<\/p>\n

\n

Lisa DiRe Harris, Primera Secretaria<\/h3>\n

Lisa es Ingeniera de Pruebas de Programas de Computadoras. Su hermosa hija adolescente tiene s\u00edndrome de Down. \u00a1Ella inspira a Lisa todos los d\u00edas con su calidez, su entusiasmo, su buena disposici\u00f3n para probar cosas nuevas y su extraordinario sentido del humor! Lisa apoya a GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans para que aquellos en nuestra comunidad cuyas vidas han sido tocadas por el s\u00edndrome de Down tengan un lugar acogedor al que puedan acudir para recibir apoyo en cada paso del camino. Comenzando con los nuevos padres que comparten ideas entre ellos, hasta carreras para adultos y programas sociales y de salud. \u00a1Lisa est\u00e1 muy emocionada de poder poner estas oportunidades a la disposici\u00f3n de todas las familias que los necesiten!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"lory\"\n\t

Lory Cenac Lewis, Founding Treasurer<\/h3>\n

Lory is a Certified Public Accountant with experience auditing private, public, and international clients. She is blessed with a wonderful husband and adorable children, one of whom has Down syndrome. Lory became involved with GiGi’s because she agrees with the mission of changing the way the world views Down syndrome through education so that people with it will become accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities.<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0Lory Cenac Lewis, Primera Tesorera<\/h3>\n

Lory es Contadora P\u00fablica Certificada con experiencia en auditor\u00edas de clientes privados, p\u00fablicos e internacionales. Ella ha sido bendecida con un esposo maravilloso y con hijos adorables, uno de los cuales tiene s\u00edndrome de Down. Lory se involucr\u00f3 con GiGi’s porque est\u00e1 de acuerdo con la misi\u00f3n de cambiar la forma en que el mundo ve el s\u00edndrome de Down a trav\u00e9s de la educaci\u00f3n para que las personas que lo tienen sean aceptadas y bien acogidas en sus familias, escuelas y comunidades.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"S\n\t

Shalanda Bibbins, Founding Board Member<\/h3>\n

Shalanda is a native New Orleanian who has worked in public service and consulting to positively impact the lives of Louisiana’s residents and visitors. Shalanda is currently dedicating her experience and passion for people and community as the Broker and Owner of Shalanda Realty and a board member for GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans. She employs her faith as well as her roles as a wife and mother in her everyday duties with integrity, respect and professionalism. Shalanda has a child with Down syndrome.<\/p>\n

\n

Shalanda\u202fBibbins,\u202fMiembro de la Junta Directiva Fundadora<\/h3>\n

Shalanda\u202fes\u202funa\u202fnativa de Nueva Orleans que ha trabajado en el servicio p\u00fablico y en consultor\u00edas para impactar positivamente las vidas de los residentes y visitantes de\u202fLuisiana. Actualmente,\u202fShalanda\u202fest\u00e1 dedicando su experiencia y su pasi\u00f3n por las personas y la comunidad\u202fcomo\u202fcorredora\u202fy propietaria de la empresa de bienes ra\u00edces\u202fShalanda\u202fRealty\u202fy como miembro de la junta directiva de\u202fGiGi’s\u202fPlayhouse\u202fNew Orleans. Ella utiliza su fe, as\u00ed como sus roles como esposa y madre, en sus deberes diarios con integridad, respeto y profesionalismo.\u202fShalanda\u202ftiene una\u202fhija\u202fcon s\u00edndrome de Down.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"katie\"\n\t

Katie Cox, Founding Board Member<\/h3>\n

Katie owns a full-service event company offering catering, coordination, and staffing. Whenever possible she works with charities pro bono on fundraising events. She wants parents who have just received the Down syndrome diagnosis to have a place to go that welcomes them with open arms, so they can understand they are not alone and everything is going to be ok. She wants that child to have all the tools they need to reach for their goals and feel a sense of community and belonging. She wants that child to grow into a productive adult with independence, friends, skills, and confidence. She would like to help remove stigma and promote love and acceptance.<\/p>\n

\n

Katie Cox, Miembro de la Junta Directiva Fundadora<\/h3>\n

Katie es propietaria de una empresa multi servicios de eventos que ofrece servicios de comida, coordinaci\u00f3n y personal. Siempre que le es posible, trabaja pro bono para organizaciones de beneficencia en eventos de recaudaci\u00f3n de fondos. Ella desea que los padres que acaban de recibir el diagn\u00f3stico de s\u00edndrome de Down tengan un lugar a d\u00f3nde acudir que los reciba con los brazos abiertos, de manera que puedan entender que no est\u00e1n solos y que todo va a estar bien. Ella quiere que ese ni\u00f1o posea todas las herramientas que necesita para alcanzar sus metas en la vida y sentir un sentido de comunidad y de pertenencia; que se convierta en un adulto productivo con independencia, amigos, habilidades y confianza. A Katie le gustar\u00eda ayudar a eliminar el estigma y promover el amor y la aceptaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"emily-gummer\"\n\t

Emily Gummer, Founding Board Member<\/h3>\n

Emily is a registered patent attorney with experience in intellectual property litigation. Serving the community’s needs, including volunteering with the youth of our city to ensure a bright future for New Orleans, is of upmost importance to her.\u00a0 She and her husband are big supporters of GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans, especially through their participation and volunteering in the GiGi’s Golf Tournament.<\/p>\n

\n

Emily Gummer, Miembro de la Junta Directiva Fundadora<\/h3>\n

Emily es una abogada de patentes con experiencia en litigios de propiedad intelectual. Atender las necesidades de la comunidad, incluido el voluntariado con los j\u00f3venes de nuestra ciudad para garantizar un futuro brillante para Nueva Orleans, es de suma importancia para ella.\u00a0 Ella y su esposo son grandes partidarios de GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans, especialmente a trav\u00e9s de su participaci\u00f3n y voluntariado en el Torneo de Golf de GiGi’s.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Karen-Kersting\"\n\t

Karen Kersting, Founding Board Member<\/h3>\n

Karen considers herself a naturalized citizen of New Orleans, where she has resided since 1982. She is the owner of Alane Design, an interior design studio that has been in business for more than 30 years. Karen has a deep commitment to volunteerism that focuses on improving lives and community. She is a recipient of Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow award, a team member receiving the Don Turner Award and recognized by New Orleans City Business as one of their Women of the Year. She volunteers on the board of GiGi’s Playhouse as a gift of friendship to her neighbors and their daughter with Down syndrome.<\/p>\n

\n

Karen Kersting, Miembro de la Junta Directiva Fundadora<\/h3>\n

Karen se considera una ciudadana naturalizada de Nueva Orleans, donde reside desde 1982. Ella es la propietaria de Alane Design, un estudio de dise\u00f1o de interiores que ha estado en el negocio durante m\u00e1s de 30 a\u00f1os. Karen tiene un profundo compromiso con el voluntariado que se enfoca en mejorar la vida de las personas y la comunidad. Recibi\u00f3 el premio Paul Harris Fellow del Club Rotario, es miembro del equipo que recibi\u00f3 el premio Don Turner y fue reconocida por el City Business de Nueva Orleans como una de sus Mujeres del A\u00f1o. Karen es voluntaria en la junta directiva de GiGi’s como un regalo de amistad para sus vecinos y su hija con s\u00edndrome de Down.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"A-Kiefer\"\n\t

Ashley Kieffer, Founding Board Member<\/h3>\n

Ashley is an Owner and Executive Director of Sales at Rosemary & Roux Cafe & Catering in River Ridge, LA. She is passionate about sharing her positive experiences as a mother of a child with Down syndrome with other parents.<\/p>\n

\n

Ashley Kieffer, Miembro de la Junta Directiva Fundadora<\/h3>\n

Ashley es propietaria y directora ejecutiva de ventas en Rosemary & Roux Caf\u00e9 & Catering en River Ridge, LA. Le apasiona compartir con otros padres sus experiencias positivas como madre de una ni\u00f1a con s\u00edndrome de Down.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"M-Todd\"\n\t

Michael Todd, Founding Board Member<\/h3>\n

Michael is a long-time resident of New Orleans, is a business professional who has worked at various financial institutions in the city and is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Billes Architects. Michael serves the community by participating on the boards of several not-for-profits including GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans. Michael had a cousin with Down syndrome and wants to spread the message of acceptance.<\/p>\n

\n

Michael Todd, Miembro de la Junta Directiva Fundadora<\/h3>\n

Michael reside desde hace mucho tiempo en Nueva Orleans. \u00c9l es un profesional de negocios que ha trabajado en varias instituciones financieras de la ciudad y, actualmente, se desempe\u00f1a como el Director Financiero de la firma Billes Architects. Michael sirve a la comunidad mediante su participaci\u00f3n en las juntas directivas de varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro, incluyendo a GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans. Michael tuvo un primo con s\u00edndrome de Down y quiere difundir el mensaje de aceptaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Craig-Blackburn\"\n\t

Craig Blackburn, Start-Up Team<\/h3>\n

Craig is a Peer\/Self-Advocate and motivational speaker. He has travelled throughout the US sharing the messages of ability, inclusion, and full participation in life for all. He has been on numerous boards that advocate for individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs and has met with legislators on issues for the betterment of lives of individuals with Down syndrome.<\/p>\n

\n

Craig Blackburn, Miembro del Equipo Fundador<\/h3>\n

Craig es un auto-defensor entre pares, goza de la capacidad de auto representaci\u00f3n, y un orador motivacional. Ha viajado por todos los Estados Unidos compartiendo mensajes de capacidad, inclusi\u00f3n y participaci\u00f3n en la vida para todos. Ha participado en numerosas juntas directivas que defienden a las personas con s\u00edndrome de Down y otras necesidades especiales, y se ha reunido con legisladores para trabajar en temas que mejoren la vida de las personas con s\u00edndrome de Down.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Lyndi\"\n\t

Lyndi Dobbs, Start-Up Team<\/h3>\n

Lyndi is an Occupational Therapist and mom to her fearless son, Solon, who has Down syndrome. As an occupational therapist and Down syndrome mom, she knows the importance of early intervention to help children reach milestones and build a foundation for continued learning. She also knows the importance of family education and support that is beneficial for new families receiving a diagnosis. GiGi’s is a place where families and children can receive services and resources to help improve their lives and can encourage inclusion within the community.<\/p>\n

\n

Lyndi\u202fDobbs,\u202fMiembro del Equipo Fundador<\/h3>\n

Lyndi\u202fes\u202fterapeuta\u202focupacional y madre de su intr\u00e9pido hijo,\u202fSolon, quien tiene s\u00edndrome de Down.\u202fEsto le permite a\u202fLyndi\u202fconocer bien la importancia de la intervenci\u00f3n temprana para ayudar a los ni\u00f1os con s\u00edndrome de Down a alcanzar metas y construir una base s\u00f3lida para un aprendizaje continuo. Ella tambi\u00e9n conoce la importancia de la educaci\u00f3n familiar y del apoyo que sea de beneficio para las nuevas familias que reciben un diagn\u00f3stico.\u202fGiGi’s\u202fes un lugar donde las familias y los ni\u00f1os pueden recibir los servicios y recursos necesarios para mejorar sus vidas y, de igual manera, pueden promover la inclusi\u00f3n dentro de la comunidad.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Dani\"\n\t

Dani Kennedy, Start-Up Team<\/h3>\n

Dani is a Digital Marketing Manager. She is “Auntie” to her best friend, Lyndi’s son, Solon, who has Down syndrome. She loves the mission and purpose of global acceptance and free programs for individuals with Down syndrome. New Orleans didn’t have anything like it, and she’s super excited to have brought this amazing opportunity to her community.<\/p>\n

\n

Dani Kennedy, Miembro del Equipo Fundador<\/h3>\n

Dani es Gerente de Mercadeo Digital. Ella es la “t\u00eda” de su mejor amigo, el hijo de Lyndi, Solon, quien tiene s\u00edndrome de Down. Ella ama la misi\u00f3n y el prop\u00f3sito de la aceptaci\u00f3n global y de los programas gratuitos para los individuos con s\u00edndrome de Down. Nueva Orleans no\u00a0 pose\u00eda nada similar y est\u00e1 muy emocionada de haber tra\u00eddo esta maravillosa oportunidad a su comunidad.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"chaps-tucker\"\n\t

Chaps Tucker, Start-Up Team<\/h3>\n

Chaps is a mergers and acquisitions advisor. He grew up in Texas with his cousin Melissa who has Down syndrome. Before moving to New Orleans, he helped his aunt who started the first GiGi’s Playhouse location in Texas in his hometown of El Paso. Chaps is excited to support the GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans, share the message of GiGi’s and educate, inspire and believe with the community.<\/p>\n

\n

Chaps Tucker, Miembro del Equipo Fundador<\/h3>\n

Chaps es asesor de fusiones y adquisiciones. Creci\u00f3 en Texas con su prima Melissa quien tiene s\u00edndrome de Down. Antes de mudarse a Nueva Orleans, ayud\u00f3 a su t\u00eda, quien abri\u00f3 la primera ubicaci\u00f3n de GiGi’s Playhouse en Texas, en su ciudad natal de El Paso. Chaps est\u00e1 emocionado por tener un GiGi’s Playhouse en Nueva Orleans para compartir el mensaje de GiGi’s y educar, inspirar y creer junto con la comunidad.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Founding Team Sandy Juarez, Founding President Sandy is a Certified Project Manager with expertise in financial management, operations analysis and performance monitoring. She has a teenage daughter, Ella, with Down syndrome who amazes her every day! She wants to show the world that Ella is capable, she is worthy, and she is loved. The free…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"wpo365_audiences":[],"wpo365_private":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-141626","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/141626","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141626"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/141626\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141626"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141626"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/neworleans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141626"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}