Our Team
Linda Hoke, Former President
Linda is a mom to two teenagers and has a background in communications and marketing. Linda currently works as the Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs for The Research Foundation at Binghamton University. As a founding member of GiGi's Playhouse
Southern Tier, Linda is proud to be a part of this amazing community resource. She is grateful to have the opportunity to help our participants and families work to reach their best of all as they engage in programming and activities that are designed to help individuals with Down syndrome, like her son, as well as many others in our community.
Anna Bruce, Co-President and Programs Coordinator
Anna Bruce is our Board Vice President and Program Coordinator. She has a degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Special Education and spent the early years of her career teaching 5th grade and 3rd grade Special Education in the Binghamton City School District. Anna is also Mom to Camden, who is her reason for getting involved in GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier. Camden was diagnosed with Down syndrome, which sent Anna on a commitment to provide him with all of the tools to help him succeed, just like his older siblings. Since then, Anna has been actively involved in establishing GiGi’s Playhouse here in the Southern Tier, in order to help all the families like hers, provide the best opportunities and support for their children and family.
Christopher Emmons, Co-President
Chris is new to the Down syndrome community, but familiar with the world of business and finance. Chris works as a Commercial Relationship Manager for M&T Bank, and his background in finance greatly impacts our Playhouse. Chris and his wife have two little ones who enjoy attending our children’s programs! We are excited to have Chris as a Co-President on our Board, and happy to have him join the Down syndrome community!
Jessica Aurelio, Secretary
Jessica is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) with experience working with adults, families, and youth in substance use prevention, child welfare, and social services.
She started with GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier in 2019 as an MSW (Master of Social Work) intern and quickly developed a passion for working with individuals with Down syndrome. She is excited to continue to be a part of the GiGi's family; to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome in our community and to help individuals achieve their Best of All’s!
Barbara Kulp, Board Member
Barbara Kulp is mom to Austin, her adult son with Down syndrome. Barb has a background in public and community relations, marketing, and customer service. She is a fierce advocate for her son and has made sure his passions and needs are not just met, but that Austin is thriving! Austin is the mascot for Artic Bear Heating, Air, Plumbing & Water Treatment and a mascot for the Binghamton Black Bear hockey team. Barb has pushed for Austin’s dreams to be a reality!
Naomi Rupright- Treasurer
Naomi was involved in the finances of WSKG Public Media for 20 years, ending her career as the Director of Finance. She retired from WSKG in April 2012 and has divided her time since traveling the world and volunteering at several other not-for-profits, focusing on finances. The very best part of her retirement is the ability to spend quality with her family…especially her 7 grandchildren!
Katie Whaley- Site Manager
Katie went to Cairn University for her bachelor's in early childhood education and received a certificate to teach Special Education. Katie worked at a local overnight camp that provided respite care to families and group homes for their individuals with development disabilities and fell in love with the Down syndrome community. Katie is our Site Manager and helps make sure the day-to-day operations of the Playhouse are running smoothly!
Jeannie Post, Event Coordinator & Board Member
Jeannie is a local event coordinator and is in the process of opening her own B&B in Vestal, the ‘Trail Side Inn’! Jeannie is an event planning extraordinaire and has been the lead on our ‘i have a voice’ gala and ‘Swing for Acceptance’ golf tournaments since we have been opened! Jeannie assists with coaching volleyball for Union Endicott High School. We wouldn’t have such impact fundraising events without Jeannie!
Andrea Folli
Andrea is a mom to two teenagers and is a special education teacher at Union-Endicott High school. She has a BA in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Special Education. Andrea has taught special education at Union Endicott her whole career, first at the elementary level and currently at the high school. She is so pleased to be part of the GiGi's Playhouse Community!
Anne Laubisch, Volunteer Coordinator & Board Member
Anne is a recently retired COTA who was employed by Reva Reid Therapy Services through the Broome County Health Department. She has worked with children of various ages and diagnosis for over 30 years. Anne was on the startup team for GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier and feels blessed to have the opportunity to stay connected with the Down syndrome community and the families that she has had the pleasure and privilege of working with over the years. She believes in GiGi’s mission and is inspired by our participants of all ages and their families finding it exciting to be able to help and encourage them to achieve their “Best of All”!
Mercedes Hubbert, Self-Advocate
Mercedes is passionate about helping those around her. She is an amazing person to welcome new participants to the Playhouse because she knows how to make people comfortable and like they belong! Mercedes loves coming to GiGiFit, Art Explosion, Cooking, and signing, and she is so excited to join the Playhouse on the Board as our new Self-Advocate!
Joe and Lori Calleo
Joe and Lori Calleo are parents of six children and local business owners. Their son, Dominic, has Down syndrome and loves being involved with GiGi’s. The activities that are offered, especially free of charge, are just amazing. Our goal as board members, is to help in any way possible to expand and enrich the Playhouse