Our Team
Tracy Markus
Tracy is a wife, proud mom to Alexander and Harrison, and a passionate advocate for raising awareness and promoting inclusivity for individuals with Down syndrome. Her personal journey as a mother of a child born with Down syndrome has ignited a deep commitment to advocating for acceptance, inclusion, and empowering her son and the Down syndrome community to embrace their full potential without limitations.
Tracy actively engages in the Down syndrome community, fostering connections and providing support for other families facing similar journeys. She believes in the power of building a strong network of support and creating a sense of belonging for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Bri Henke
My name is Bri Henke, and I have a 5 year old extra chromie homie named Odin. As Covid hit just 4 months after he was born, we didn't have a ton of time to get to know Gigi's before everything shut down, but we were able to get a taste of it - oxygen tank and all! We started with LMNOP, and then moved to online programming, then back into person at the Playhouse each week that we weren't in/out of the hospital those first few years. I was active with the GiGi’s Playhouse Layton team, volunteering for programs as well as being on the Gala committee for 2 years to continue to raise money. Odin is a big fan of books, balls and anything that involves other people - which is why he always thrived in the Gigi's environment! I have been out of commission recovering from a brain injury this last year, but I am up and ready to bring the beauty of Gigi's deeper into our community here in Salt Lake!!
Carly Farnes
Carly grew up in Boise, Idaho but has lived in Utah for the better part of 20 years now. She has three kids, a 14 year old boy, 12 year old girl, and a 5 year old boy who happens to have Down Syndrome. Carly works at an elementary school in the front office and loves going to work every day.
Ever since receiving the diagnosis of her youngest son, Carly has always wanted to find ways to get involved in the down syndrome community and be a part of programs that benefit them and their families. Joining the board with Gigi's Playhouse feels like a pretty great fit.
Kylee White
I am the proud mama of a sassy little 1.5 year old girl that demands all the attention and the step-mama of the two most incredible boys. If you don't know where I am, you can almost always find me buried in a book or completely captivated by a true crime podcast. I have two pugs, Olive and Otis, that stink up my house but warm up my heart. I am a Chicago Blackhawks hockey fan and my dream is to hear "Chelsea Dagger" blaring over the speakers at the United Center.
As a former Elementary Special Education Teacher, my passion for disability advocacy inevitably led me to the world of GiGi's playhouse as a volunteer. I was #GenerationG before I knew about it and the inclusion of others has always been one of my guiding principles. There is so much to be learned by everyone and the world would be quite a dark place without the shine of all different lights. I was always (and continue to) advocate for the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all walks of life, but most specifically in the general education classroom. Let me be your IEP advocate!
I am so excited for the launch of GiGi's Playhouse SLC and can't wait to change the way the wold views Down Syndrome.
Cindy Prassas
My name is Cindy Prassas and I have lived in Draper, UT for 4 years. I was born and raised in New York and have lived in San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA and Tucson, AZ. I have been married for 38 years and am the mother of 3 adult children. Our middle child Christina has Down Syndrome. Before having children, I worked in banking and as a financial analyst for a defense contractor. More recently, I had my own Guardianship consulting business until moving to Utah. I am looking forward to participating in the start-up of GiGi’s Playhouse in Salt Lake City.
April Shumway
April is a wife and a stay at home mom to Alexander and Harrison. Harrison was born with down syndrome. April is a creative person who enjoys singing , making art and jewelry, and repurposing everything! She has a background in writing, editing and marketing. A graduate of USU, April has been published online and in print for magazines focused on personal growth.April is adamant about welcoming new parents and supporting their journeys. She is also focused on fighting for inclusion and greater appreciation for all ability class rooms. April is extremely passionate about changing the 10+ year wait list for benefits as well as giving families better opportunities for education by making aid services available to those with only a down syndrome diagnosis.
Kristy Vaughn
Emily Orgill
Alice Bagley Hadean
Tami Lou
Joselyn Skaggs
Sandy Plmer
Lori Ann Reinert Mifflin
Martha Chidester