{"id":2,"date":"2017-10-06T15:23:04","date_gmt":"2017-10-06T15:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/maimi11\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2026-06-03T12:08:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T19:08:47","slug":"our-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/our-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

Meet the GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento Team!<\/h1>\n\t

Staff<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"missy-okelberry\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Missy Okelberry, Site Manager<\/h3>\n

mokelberry@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Born and raised in California, Missy has been a resident of Roseville for the past twenty years, where along with her husband Kevin, she has raised her three children – Thomas, Kinsey, and Ethan. Influenced by her mother’s profound unconditional love towards others and sense of community service, from an early age Missy felt a strong desire to use these same attributes to help others and contribute to her community.\u00a0 This desire was only strengthened during her academic studies in which she developed a strong understanding of relationships and families.<\/p>\n

After a 3 year stint working in the behavioral health industry, Missy is honored to be able to contribute to GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento as the Site Manager. Through personal experiences, Missy has witnessed the pivotal role of support organizations during her own personal times of need which have reinforced her commitment to helping others.<\/p>\n

Beyond her professional pursuits, Missy enjoys spending time in nature, loves to travel, and treasures time spent with her family and friends.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"8-Karen\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Karen Siino, Program and 1:1 Tutoring Coordinator<\/h3>\n

ksiino@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Karen is a wife and mom of 4. She has a background in IT and currently works as a librarian and paraeducator. Karen is so excited for the opportunities that GiGi’s will bring to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. She is looking forward to helping empower those with Down syndrome to be all that they can be.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Kim-Francis-Headshot\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Kim Francis, Volunteer Coordinator<\/h3>\n

kfrancis@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Kim Francis\u202fis a dedicated community member and passionate volunteer with a deep commitment to making a positive impact. As a proud mother of two grown daughters, Kim has always prioritized service to others. Throughout her life, she has been actively involved in various community initiatives, with a special focus on supporting GiGi’s Playhouse. Kim finds immense joy in both working and volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse, where she contributes to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.<\/p>\n\t

Board<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Nicole-bio-pic\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Nicole Harrigan,\u00a0Board President<\/h3>\n

nharrigan@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nicole is a wife, mom of three (two boys, Tim and Nic, who has T21, and one girl, Lyla), and is dedicated to fostering acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome and inclusion for all. She works full time as an attorney for the California State Lottery, which she enjoys, but she found her passion and life’s work upon joining the GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento team. It has been both an honor and a dream come true for Nicole to help open GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento and to continue to serve on its Board of Managers. One of Nicole’s favorite things about the Playhouse in general, is witnessing volunteers visibly shed life’s stressors when they walk through the door. She also finds immense joy in seeing younger volunteers embrace their true selves without fear of judgment, epitomizing the essence of acceptance. Nicole wholeheartedly believes embracing the #GenerationG values of being accepting, generous, and kind is the key to a happier, more inclusive world for all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"April-2024-bio-pic\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

April Davila,\u00a0Board Vice President<\/h3>\n

adavila@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

April is an ambitious and passionate professional with an MBA from St. Mary’s College and a background in real estate, education, and recruiting. She is a wife and an active mama of two teens, one with an extra chromosome. As a former teacher and a fierce proponent for the education of individuals with Down syndrome, April thoroughly enjoys working hard to educate families and the community about GiGi’s impactful programs and support through sharing the GiGis ripple effect with educators, professionals, and the youth in our schools and churches who love to serve!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Cathie\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Catherine Conner, Board Treasurer<\/h3>\n

caconner@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Cathie is extremely passionate in all that she takes on. She is a wife and mom of two lovely daughters and enjoys being intensely involved in all of their activities. She has dual careers running her nutrition practice, Cathie Conner Nutritional Therapy, and operating her own commercial real estate investment company. Cathie feels honored and proud to continue the family tradition of community service started by her late father. Giving back to her community is a core value and one that she takes very seriously. She has a brother with Down syndrome who has been a true blessing to their family. Helping to raise her brother, A.J., has given her a tremendous love and appreciation for individuals with Down syndrome. Cathie is thrilled that GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento has opened its doors, providing a safe, fun and educational space for these incredible individuals and their families. She’s eager to continue supporting its mission in the Sacramento region.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Ashley\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Ashley Lasiter, Secretary<\/h3>\n

alasiter@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ashley is a wife and full-time working mom of 2 girls. She has a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering and Minor in Construction Engineering and Management. Although very analytical and a planner, Brooke (oldest daughter with DS) has taught her that you can’t plan everything, and you are better for it! She is passionate about the Down syndrome community and loves to give back. She is thrilled to be part of GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento with everything that it signifies and has to offer for the Down syndrome community.\u202fHer favorite aspect of GiGi’s Playhouse is the concept of ‘Best of All’. As part of a dynamic family, Brooke participates in all family activities, first meeting her where she is at in abilities and then working to build her skills at her pace.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Nikki\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Nicole Deters, Board Member<\/h3>\n

ndeters@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\nNicole is a wife and mother of three boys, including her youngest, Jaydon, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome in 2014. With a strong background in the medical field as a care coordinator supervisor, medical assistant, and caregiver, Nicole’s passion for advocacy became her top priority after Jaydon’s diagnosis.
\nWhen she discovered GiGi’s Playhouse, she immediately knew it was the perfect place for her family-a place where acceptance, kindness, and community thrive. Over the past few years, Nicole has served as a board member and is a part of the social media and marketing team, helping to amplify the Playhouse’s mission of empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families.\n

She’s proud to contribute to creating a space where learning, laughter, and connection flourish and is excited to continue being a part of this beautiful journey.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Etty\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Etty Goldstein, Board Member<\/h3>\n

egoldstein@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Etty is a certified public accountant that works full time as a financial auditor specializing in nonprofit organizations. She was born in Venezuela and moved to the Sacramento area in 2014. Given her background, she is very passionate about helping the community and advocating for others. Etty is honored and very appreciative of the opportunity to work with GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento and help deliver its mission and bring the community together in support of this amazing organization.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"josh\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Josh Hatfield, Board Member<\/h3>\n

jhatfield@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Josh\u202fHatfield is a loving husband & father of three.\u202f\u202fHe has been in Sales for 25+ years in the construction industry in the Sacramento Valley.\u202fJosh\u202fhas been volunteering in his community since his kids were young.\u202fHe has volunteered with all their sports & activities through the past 15+ years. He has always had a passion for working with people with special needs. Growing up.\u202fJosh\u202fhad an aunt with special needs that inspired him. He also has a dear family friend who has Down syndrome. This friend, Lance, is who made\u202fJosh\u202fwant to be involved with GiGi’s. He feels honored to be a part of such an amazing organization. Through GiGi’s,\u202fJosh\u202falso became a Coach for Northern California Special Olympics.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Shannon\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Shannon Owens, Board Member\/Self-Advocate<\/h3>\n

Shannon is the 4th child of Scott and Lisa Owens. She has 3 older brothers who gave her 3 sisters, 3 nieces, and 3 nephews (so far). She has taught the family so much about life, love, and acceptance. She attended Roseville High School and Sierra College and wants to learn ASL. She loves her friends, music, reading along with audio books, swimming, boating, golf, traveling and going out to eat. You can see that she loves life and wants to experience everything! She has enjoyed being involved in Special Olympics and has thrived at GiGi’s Playhouse meeting new friends by participating in GiGiFit, Fantastic Friends, and GiGi’s Kitchen. Shannon is excited for the opportunity to be on the GiGi’s Board and help advocate for herself and her friends.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Holly-Bio\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Holly Siino, Board Member<\/h3>\n

hsiino@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ever since Holly’s sister Mia was born she has wanted to actively advocate for individuals with Down Syndrome. GiGi’s Playhouse has been the answer to that wish and she is so excited to serve as a program lead and board member. Holly is an avid reader, DIY and crafting enthusiast, and soccer player. She has a background in post-secondary and adult education and currently works at Jobs for the Future, consulting on projects for the California Community College system. In addition to working at Gigi’s Playhouse Holly is a volunteer with Special Olympics as event staff and coach. Holly has continued to be inspired by the GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento community and can’t wait see what the future holds!<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Jill\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Jill Petrarca, Board Member<\/h3>\n

jpetrarca@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jill is a wife and mother to one son and one daughter.\u202f After 37 years in the insurance industry, Jill retired.\u202f Jill began volunteering at GiGi’s in the Adult Kitchen program, finding it to be an amazing and rewarding experience.\u202f Since then, Jill found herself getting more involved with GiGi’s and recently joined the Board.\u202f Jill is very excited to spread the word of the amazing work GiGi’s does and all they have to offer.\u202f Jill hopes to assist GiGi’s in spreading generosity, acceptance, and kindness in the name of all advocates of GiGi’s.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Jen\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Jen Matulich, Board Member<\/h3>\n

jmatulich@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Jen Matulich is the Director of Business Development and Marketing for Solace Enterprises.\u202f \u202fBefore joining Solace, Jen served as SVP \/ Business Development Officer with Five Star Bank. A UC Davis graduate with a degree in managerial\u00a0economics,\u00a0Jen has 20 years of\u00a0expertise\u00a0in business development, relationship management, sales, and marketing. She specializes in working with contractors, developers, and commercial real estate brokers. Jen is proud to join the GiGi’s Playhouse board and currently serves on the board of directors for the Association of Commercial Real Estate and the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange board as past president. In 2020, she was recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal among their 40 Under 40. \u202fJen is passionate about philanthropic activities including volunteering for the Construction Industry Education Foundation,\u00a0Anrak\u00a0Charitable Foundation, Children’s Tumor Foundation, the American Heart Association and Habitat for Humanity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"brandon\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Brandon Fullecido, Board Member\u00a0<\/h3>\n

As a proud Sacramento native, Brandon brings a deep commitment to community, service, and personal growth through his interactions with like-minded individuals. For the past two years, he has been part of GiGi’s Playhouse\u00a0Sacramento, dedicating his time to advancing mission-driven initiatives that create meaningful impact. His experience here has\u00a0strengthened his skills in relationship building, contributing to positive change, and fostering a passion for serving others.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Outside of his professional work, Brandon is a third-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate. This distinction reflects years of discipline, responsibility, and continuous self-improvement. Martial arts\u00a0has\u00a0shaped his leadership style – grounded in respect, resilience, and accountability. The lessons learned on the mat translate directly to his work ethic, consistency, focus, and ability to remain composed under pressure.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He is also an active gym member who prioritizes health and wellness as essential components of personal and professional success.\u00a0Maintaining\u00a0strong fitness routines fuels his energy and sharpens his mindset.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rooted in Sacramento and committed to growth, service, and excellence, Brandon looks forward to working with staff and community members to make a lasting impact within the organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"5-Brooke\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Brooke Jackson, Board Member Emeritus<\/h3>\n

bjackson@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Brooke graduated from the University of Florida where she played basketball and earned a degree in production. She is extremely passionate about creating a world where individuals with Down syndrome feel loved, accepted and capable of anything! Brooke is overjoyed & beyond grateful for the opportunity to work alongside this group of supermoms to bring a GiGi’s Playhouse to our community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Meet the GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento Team! Staff Missy Okelberry, Site Manager mokelberry@gigisplayhouse.org Born and raised in California, Missy has been a resident of Roseville for the past twenty years, where along with her husband Kevin, she has raised her three children – Thomas, Kinsey, and Ethan. Influenced by her mother’s profound unconditional love towards others…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/sacramento\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}