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 Coordinator: Evelyn Mazur, emazur@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
Outreach Committee Co-Chair: Diana Bernal-Silva, dbernalsilva@gigisplayhouse.org
Marketing Coordinator: Kianna Lewin, klewin@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
Amanda Cordero, President
Amanda is a mother to two children, one of which was born with Down syndrome. He was her first, and so her introduction to motherhood was intense with being unaware and then his first few weeks in the NICU. But it taught the whole family how strong and determined they were, and how beautiful the new world they were about to enter was. Amanda graduated Summa Cum Laude with her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Grantham University with a special needs 2 year old and a newborn. It took a lot of organization and scheduling, but she made it work. Amanda also has several years of experience in the veterinary field but spent most of her working career in sales and Concierge Property Management for affluent residents in the Tampa Bay area. Amanda also has several years of experience fundraising and event planning for her children’s school. Amanda is somewhat of an artist and loves to take things that may have been discarded and make them into something new. Amanda’s overall philosophy is that anything can be beautiful if you’re looking at it the right way. And what she sees when she’s looking at our friends at Gigi’s Playhouse is pure love, pure joy, and pure innocence, and she feels compelled to share that with the rest of the world. The Playhouse not only supports and educates an underserved demographic, but it also spreads awareness and inclusion throughout the community. What this organization gives to Amanda’s son his friends is so powerful, that supporting Gigi’s and its board is the least she can do to say thank you.
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.
Michael Bucalo, Board Member
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.
Sam Piazza, Board Member
Sam has been a participant of GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa since its inception in 2018 and was a member of the start-up team. Currently, he is an active member of the playhouse’s Participant Outreach Committee. He is an employee of PDQ and has worked there for more than eleven years and Sam had a documentary film created about him called “Because of Sam”. And is an active supporter for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. with Ashley Piazza Odom.
Jessica Silber, Board Secretary
Jessica Silber is the owner of Elevate Advocate LLC. She provides Educational Advocacy for students with disabilities.
Jessica has dedicated her career to supporting both children and adults with all disabilities. For the last 16 years she has worked in various roles including executive positions within community agencies supporting advocacy, services, and inclusion.
Jessica has an BA in Psychology, MBA with a focus in non-profit management. In addition, she continues to participate in trainings about disability, inclusion, advocacy, and services.
Advocacy for all children to have inclusive opportunities that contribute to their future success is one of the many reasons for joining the Gigi’s Playhouse board. She strongly believes that a diagnosis does not define an individual, nor does it determine their strengths or future success. Jessica is excited to support Gigi’s mission and continue the great work.
Jessica lives in Odessa with her husband and son who has special needs ( and soon to be newborn).
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.