Our Team
Suzanne Scott – Site Manager
Suzanne’s experience ranges from the corporate world of Nike to the civic service of the Orange County Registrar to the entrepreneurial endeavor of her floral business Little Petal. She has lived in Mission Viejo for twenty years where she and her husband have raised their two sons. She loves to travel, entertain, design, walk her dog, learn new things, and meet new people.
Suzanne’s involvement with GiGi’s Playhouse stems from a constant whisper of a “little something extra” that has driven her towards her proclivity to help others. She wants to contribute to the ripple effect in changing the way the world views Down syndrome.
To contact Suzanne directly, please email [email protected].
Brenda Bolla - Program Coordinator
Brenda is thrilled to join the team as Program Coordinator / Volunteer Coordinator at GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County. Having taught both general and special education students throughout her 35-year career, and supporting new teachers, Brenda understands diverse needs and has a passion for fostering inclusive and supportive programs. It is her desire to welcome new volunteers and watch GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County thrive in the community.
Brenda has resided in Mission Viejo for over 30 years, and she is married to her high school sweetheart. She is the proud mom of two amazing daughters, and feels blessed to have the support of family, friends and neighbors.
In her leisure time, Brenda loves visiting her daughters and granddaughters whenever she can, playing golf, traveling, and cheering on the Cal Bears! She also loves animals, her current pets are Sadie, a Great Pyrenees rescue, her cat Rue, and tortoise Spike.
Kim Horner – Board President
After attending the Grand Opening of the Rochester, New York GiGi’s Playhouse, she knew in her heart that Orange County, CA would benefit from bringing GiGi’s Playhouse to the community. Her son Charlie is the third of her four children and he has Down syndrome. She learned the personal rewards one gets from volunteering during her high school days as a candy striper at Saddleback Hospital. Since those days, she has volunteered in many different ways for years, including National Charity League, Capistrano Unified School District Special Education Officer, PTA/Ability Awareness, Meals on Wheels, Religious Education leader etc. Professionally, she has been in the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years; where she works out of her house and has great flexibility. It is time to spread the GiGi’s Playhouse message of acceptance for all and provide a "home" for this special community to grow, learn and bond! It is Kim’s dream for Orange County to see our Down syndrome community as the wonderful people that they are.
To contact Kim directly, please email [email protected].
Katie Gresko - Board Secretary
Katie is 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 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 of her children were welcome, not just her child with Down syndrome, and all of 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 is so excited and grateful to be a part of the GiGi’s Playhouse Board.
To contact Katie directly, please email [email protected]
Katy Wilkens - Board Treasurer
Katy currently is a preschool teacher at The Sunshine School in Laguna Beach. She has lived in Mission Viejo for 27 years with her husband and 2 children. She was a stay-at-home mom/CEO of the family and was actively involved in volunteering with many school programs and other activities. She loves the sense of community that Mission Viejo offers and knows that Gigi's Playhouse is part of that.
In her spare time, Katy enjoys nature, gardening, crafts, traveling and of course spend time with her family and sweet golden doodle Rufus. She is looking forward to challenging herself, having new experiences and learning from others at Gigi's.
To contact Katy directly, please email [email protected]
Michelle Jackson – Event Coordinator
Michelle is a mom of three teenagers. She has taught elementary and preschool students and worked with her children’s schools over the years to support education and help to facilitate positive experiences for all students. She believes in giving all children opportunities for growth, and is excited to be a part of GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County and all it has to offer our community.
To contact Michelle directly, please email [email protected].
Wendy Coticchia - Board Member at large
Wendy is a mother of two daughters who grew up in Pittsburgh and has lived in Orange County for 20 years. Wendy has always had a passion for community service and has been forever inspired by her dear friend Charlie, who gives the best hugs. She joined GiGi’s to help bring a wonderful space to the community where everyone is welcomed and accepted. Wendy is a career in-house counsel who is currently a compliance officer for a technology reseller.
Julie Taylor - Finance Coordinator
Julie is the proud mom of three children and currently works in Orange County focusing on corporate tax. Julie has spent years working on numerous boards for schools, athletics and philanthropy organizations. She is very excited to help expand the GiGi’s Playhouse awareness and promote the numerous programs and opportunities at the Orange County location for all ages.
Genyll Doalson, Grant Coordinator
Genyll is a proud wife, mother of three children and currently works as a reading intervention teacher for Saddleback Valley School District. She spends her free time playing tennis/pickleball, gardening and traveling with family and friends. A quote she likes is, “you must be the change you wish to see in the world”. Genyll looks forward to making a difference at Gigi’s and sharing smiles with all that attend.
John Fahey, Donor Development
John Fahey is proud to join the Board of Directors at Gigi’s Playhouse Orange County, where he brings both professional expertise and a deep commitment to community. As the father of three children, John is passionate about creating opportunities that empower families and foster inclusion. He has extensive experience in sales as well as managing youth programs, giving him a strong foundation in relationship building, leadership, and program development. John is especially inspired by his friend’s son, Charlie, who has Down syndrome, and by the many other incredible people he has met through them. He is excited to support Gigi’s Playhouse in its mission to inspire confidence, celebrate achievement, and promote acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome.