Sam: Magnificent Mama of 4

In honor of Mother’s Day, let’s learn about Samantha Kats and the Kats Family

The Kats Family embodies everything GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County stands for—family, inclusion, support, and fun. This family of six plays an integral role in our Playhouse, each bringing something special to our community.

At the heart of it all is Mom, Samantha. She’s the glue that holds everything together: the ultimate cruise director, scheduler, and planner who somehow makes a whirlwind of activities look like a graceful dance. With her signature calm demeanor and bright smile, she can often be found navigating the Playhouse with baby Dutch on her hip, keeping an eye on her three daughters, and lending a hand wherever it’s needed—often all at once.

Sam is more than just a mom; she’s a mentor and guide to others. When a new family walks through our doors, it’s usually Sam who’s the first to offer a heartfelt hello and an empathetic ear, making everyone feel immediately welcome and at ease. Beyond the Playhouse, she’s always dreaming up their next adventure—planning camping trips, weekend getaways, and travel experiences that bring her family closer together and fill their lives with discovery and joy.

Sam didn’t know she was having a baby with Down syndrome. It wasn’t that she hadn’t been tested—it was that the test results were incorrect. So when Malou was born, her diagnosis came as a complete surprise. Sam had never met a person with Down syndrome before, and suddenly, she and Steve were embarking on an unexpected journey as parents to a child with a diagnosis they hadn’t prepared for.

The early days of Malou’s life were an emotional rollercoaster, marked by uncertainty and fear as she faced serious heart complications. Sam and Steve spent months at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, enduring long days and sleepless nights by her side, all leading up to her heart surgery at just eight months old. Through every setback and unknown, their love and strength never faltered. And after what felt like an eternity, they were finally able to bring their beautiful, sweet Malou home – a moment filled with overwhelming relief, gratitude, and hope..

From that moment on, Sam dove headfirst into learning everything she could—reading, researching, connecting with other families, and building the knowledge and confidence to become a tremendous advocate not only for Malou, but for others with Down syndrome as well. It’s a life path she never saw coming, but one she has embraced wholeheartedly—and truly excels at.

Dad, Steve, is full of creative ideas to strengthen our community and support fundraising efforts—often brainstorming alongside Sam to find new ways to help our Playhouse thrive. Then there are the incredible Kats kids—Malou (8), Liv (6), Tillie (4), and baby Dutch (10 months)—some of the most polite and kind-hearted children you’ll ever meet.

Malou is a dedicated participant in our 1:1 Literacy Program with her amazing tutor, Karen, and takes her lessons to heart. She’s bright, caring, and a wonderful big sister, always gentle and attentive with baby Dutch. She has also joined Leaps & Bounds, Open Play, and nearly every special event we host, from movie nights to Trunk-or-Treat to BINGO—and her siblings are right there beside her, sharing in the fun.

The Kats Family truly shines at GiGi’s Playhouse. Their kindness, involvement, and unwavering support make them an irreplaceable part of our community, and we are endlessly grateful to have them walking this journey with us.

Want to learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County and how you can get involved? Whether you’re curious about our free educational and therapeutic programs, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support our mission, there’s something for everyone to explore. We’re more than just a playhouse—we’re a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates individuals with Down syndrome and their families every step of the way. Click the link below to dive in and discover how you can be part of something truly impactful!