All in the Family: Jack and his mom, Katie

Jack Gresko is the heart and soul of our Teen Tastic program. Sometimes walking into the Playhouse in a Chewbacca costume and sometimes shoeless, you never know what fabulous presentation Jack will wear to participate in that night’s program. Jack started with GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, Illinois as a toddler. He and his family eventually relocated to Ladera Ranch, with his mother, Katie, serving as an instrumental force in opening the Orange County Playhouse location last November.  

Jack is now a freshman in high school and loves it! He enjoys flipping water bottles, making friends, hugs, spending time with his three brothers and one sister, and gaming. Jack started 1:1 Literacy tutoring and thinks his tutor, Maddie, is the best. Another cool part about Jack is that all his siblings participate in our programs. Having them meet his friends and have fun together is what GiGi’s is all about: bringing families together to share experiences and build relationships. 

Watching Jack grow up in the Playhouse is a privilege and we couldn’t be more fortunate to have him apart of the GiGi’s Family! 

Katie Gresko, aka Jack’s mom, is a a stay-at-home mom, and chaos coordinator of five children. She has four sons and one daughter.  Her oldest son, Jack, has Down syndrome.  He is the BEST surprise she has ever received!  She relocated with her family to Orange County after living in the Chicago area for 15 years. Before having children, she worked as an architect and interior designer in Chicago.  Once settled here in Orange County, she really began to miss the GiGi’s Playhouse they attended regularly as a family in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.  Walking into GiGi’s felt like home.  It was a place she felt recharged after visiting.  It was an environment where all her children were welcome, not just her child with Down syndrome, and all her children could run around and play. It was also the place that Jack received free literacy tutoring and where they met their very best friends.  

Katie works tirelessly as the Vice President of the Board and her role as marketing and social media coordinator. She is the go-to person when it comes to getting things done! Her energy is boundless, her love for her family is infinite, and her devotion to the Down syndrome community and GiGi’s is unlimited. We are beyond fortunate to have Katie and her wonderful family as part of the GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County.

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