Our Team
Kianna Lewin, Site Manager
Kianna was born and raised in Orlando Florida. Growing up, Kianna’s mother adopted four of Kianna’s cousins, two of which were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She spent a lot of her time helping out with her cousins and siblings, as well as attending many of their therapy sessions. In high school Kianna joined Buddies Club, which consisted of spending time with and assisting her peers, in ESE, with school work. She also spent many hours a week volunteering, whether it was at local hospitals or dog adoption centers.
Kianna began her college journey at the University of Central Florida (UCF). During her time there, she became the general manager of the Dunkin Donuts on the UCF campus. She later graduated from Florida Institute of Technology with her bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology.
For over three years, Kianna worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). She worked specifically with individuals between the ages of 4- 18 years old who had been diagnosed with ASD and/ or Down syndrome. Her favorite part about being an RBT was seeing the progress of her kiddos over time.
During her free time, Kianna enjoys painting, spending time with friends and family, and watching sunsets. Kianna’s family and friends describe her as always having an altruistic attitude and energetic personality. She is very passionate about what she does and about our mission here at GiGi’s Playhouse.
Greg Voda, Program Coordinator
Greg is an Orlando native who attended the University of Central Florida earning his Bachelor’s in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication. His love of reading and creative writing first led him to start volunteering as a Literacy Tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse, where Greg quickly began getting involved with the various programs offered at the local Tampa playhouse.
Prior experience serving as a Parts Coordinator at an aviation school, as well as operating a late night food truck has provided a background in 1-on-1 relationship building, inventory management and the ability to thrive working in a fast-paced, bustling environment.
With lifelong interests in sports, pro wrestling, comedy and live music, Greg brings an outgoing, enthusiastic and creative presence to the Playhouse. An appreciation for discovering these same qualities in others is what Greg celebrates seeing in the unique individualism and untapped talents of the participants at GiGi’s Playhouse.
Speech Coordinator: Kyle Hollis, khollis@gigisplayhouse.org
Literacy Co- Coordinator: Evelyn Mazur
Literacy Co-Coordinator: Claudine Caballero, ccaballero@gigisplayhouse.org
Math Coordinator: Yan Ping Qi, yqi@gigisplayhouse.org
Volunteer Coordinator: Greg Voda, gvoda@gigisplayhouse.org
Outreach Committee Chair: Amanda Bucalo, abucalo@gigisplayhouse.org
Marketing Coordinator: Kianna Lewin, klewin@gigisplayhouse.org
Health Coordinator: Emma Brkljacic, ebrkljacic@gigisplayhouse.org
Participant Outreach Committee
Nick Altieri
Lindsey Danner
Nick Defurio
Thalia Arbelaez
Tristan Snapp
Mary Frances Smith
David Hogaboom
Sam Piazza
David Scott
Valerie Smith
Kaleb Dees
Danielle Ciaravino
Johnathan Goepper
GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa Board of Directors
Michael Bucalo, President
Michael Bucalo is a Merrit Island native who has called Tampa home for nearly 15 years. He attended the University of Florida and Santa Fe College earning a degree in Construction Management. Currently a partner and Vice President of Friedrich Watkins Tampa, he has been involved in the design and build of many Bay Area staple projects at The Straz, USF, University of Tampa, The Florida Aquarium, Amalie Arena, Zoo Tampa and Busch Gardens.
Michael is an avid hockey player and fan. He has a passion for volunteer work and advocating, and is a member of the University Of Tampa Board Of Counselors and a founding chair person with the American Cancer Society Associate Board of Ambassadors. Michael discovered GiGi’s Playhouse while researching programs for his newborn son Mason who has Down syndrome and immediately reached out to get involved in the playhouse.
He resides in Wesley Chapel with his wife, sons Mason and Merrit and two dogs.
Jessica Silber, Vice President
Jessica Silber is the founder and owner of Elevate Advocate LLC, where she provides educational advocacy for students with disabilities, working closely with families to ensure every child receives the support and opportunities they deserve.
With over 16 years of experience in the disability services field, Jessica has held leadership roles in community organizations, advancing initiatives in advocacy, inclusion, and direct support services for both children and adults with a wide range of disabilities. Her professional background combines compassionate advocacy with strategic leadership, driven by a lifelong commitment to equity and empowerment.
Jessica holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and an MBA with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. She remains actively engaged in professional development through ongoing training focused on disability rights, inclusive education, and community-based services.
Her decision to serve on the board of GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa stems from a deep belief that a diagnosis should never limit an individual’s potential. Jessica is passionate about fostering inclusive environments where individuals with Down syndrome are celebrated and empowered to succeed.
As Vice President of the Board, Jessica is honored to contribute to GiGi’s Playhouse’s mission and help expand access to high-quality programming and therapeutic services. She brings both personal and professional insight to this role as a parent of a child with special needs.
Jennifer Trujillo, Secretary
Originally from Miami, Florida, Jennifer graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. Over the past seven years, she's built a strong foundation in leadership through various managerial roles, where she has learned the value of communication, strategic thinking, and adaptability—skills she carries with her in every aspect of life. She is very excited to serve as Secretary on the Board of Directors at GiGi’s Playhouse, where she can contribute to a mission that is deeply personal and meaningful to her family. She and her husband Daniel live in Tampa, where they're raising their beautiful daughter Valencia, who was born in 2023 and diagnosed with Down syndrome. She brings so much joy and purpose to their lives, and has deepened their appreciation for community, resilience, and unconditional love. In her free time, Jennifer loves exploring the local food scene—always on the hunt for new favorite restaurants—and cheering on all of Tampa’s sports teams. Whether it's game day or a quiet family dinner, she is always finding ways to make meaningful memories together.
Sharon Walker, Treasurer
Sharon Walker brings over three decades of leadership experience in strategic planning, business transformation, and information technology. Recently retired as a Senior Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sharon led national and global initiatives focused on innovation, data analytics, and organizational excellence. She attended University of Florida and University of South Florida, earning her degree in Information Architecture.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sharon and her husband Bob are proud parents of four adult children and serve as guardians to Billy, Bob’s brother who has Down syndrome. Their personal connection to the Down syndrome community, combined with Billy’s participation in programs like Welcome Windows and GiGi’s Kitchen, inspires Sharon’s deep commitment to GiGi’s Playhouse.
As Treasurer, Sharon is honored to contribute her experience and passion to support GiGi’s mission of changing the way the world views Down syndrome and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Nick Altieri, Board Member
Nick has been a participant of GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa since it opened in 2018 and was also a member of the start-up team. Nick enjoys helping with the Fantastic Friends program and being with his friends. He is also a member of the Participant Outreach Committee and regularly advocates for individuals with Down syndrome while spreading the word about GiGi’s Playhouse. He is currently employed at the Julianne M. Holt Hillsborough County Public Defender Office and has been for almost 10 years. He also works part-time at Clean Juice. Nick’s goal is to help families who have children with disabilities including Down syndrome. He would like to be a mentor, example, and a role model for the younger generation and especially children with disabilities and Down syndrome.
Arina Nossova, Board Member
Arina Nossova is currently a student at Pasco-Hernando State College, getting her stem focused AA degree. She is majoring in clinical psychology with goals to transfer to FSU. She is currently volunteering as the social media manager at Ellie Mental Health, and as a STAND advisor to raise awareness of the value of mental health. She has been working as a tutor for more than 5 years for neurodivergent kids and when it comes to hobbies, she likes to read, write, and all things poetry. She is excited to bring forth positive change and support to Gigi’s Playhouse as a member of the board of directors!
Sam Piazza, Board Member
Sam Piazza is a self- advocate for DSATB, self- advocate for F.R.I.E.N.D.S, as well as a Gigi’s Playhouse Tampa board member and a ambassador of the adult programs. Sam is mentored by Ashley Piazza Odom and Craig Woodard, Sr., as well as by Amanda Cordero.
Sam's core leadership traits:
Disciplined and focused, honorable and moral, courageous and selfless, respectful and polite, strategic and intelligent, as well as patient and understanding.
Sam's other notable qualities:
Determined, responsible, mature, stoic, and protective.
Areas of growth for Sam:
Self- doubt and perfectionism.
Jennifer Kotwicki, Board Member
Jennifer received her Master’s in Social Work and Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Florida. She currently works at BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, FL as the Director of Operations. Before moving into the operations side of healthcare, Jennifer worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a social worker. She has volunteered in the community and been involved with other boards with the mission to help the youth in our community.
Amanda Bucalo, Board Member
Amanda Bucalo discovered GiGi’s Playhouse when her son, Mason, was just two days old, joining the community even before the grand opening in 2018. A Tampa native, Amanda attended PHSC and UNC Wilmington, where she developed a strong foundation in administration.
In 2021, she deepened her involvement by chairing the Community Outreach committee, working closely with adult participants. She finds great purpose in learning alongside them as they advocate for themselves. Amanda joined the board in 2023 and now encourages all families who find joy and value in the Playhouse to consider giving back, as help is always needed.
Amanda and her husband, Michael, own a local commercial contracting business and have been actively involved in philanthropic work with various organizations over the years. They enjoy exploring Tampa’s many offerings with their two boys on weekends and continually seek ways to contribute to their community.