Our Team
Celine Bucci, Development & Operations Coordinator
Celine started her journey with GiGi's Playhouse by serving on the opening Board for the Oak Forest location in 2013. She lives in Homewood with her two children, John and Gigi. She has attended many GiGi's programs over the years with Gigi, who has Down syndrome. Celine has experience in advertising, in the culinary arts as a Pastry Chef Instructor, and most recently, at her kids' high school assisting two departments. She holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and is an avid fan of all things ND. Celine is very excited to blend her skills with her passion for advocating for acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome.
Kathie Gudauskas, Programs and Volunteer Manager
Kathie Gudauskas started at GiGi’s Tinley Park as a volunteer almost 6 years ago, wanting to be a part of something larger than herself. She believes small acts of kindness can create positive change, and upon learning about the mission of Gigi’s Playhouse, felt inspired to get involved.
Kathie’s involvement with Gigi’s Tinley Park has grown from volunteering almost 6 years ago, to becoming a Member of the Annual Gala Committee, to being hired as a part-time Site Assistant at the Playhouse, and finally, joining the team full-time as Programs and Volunteer Manager.
“My passion to be a part of a meaningful cause, GiGi’s Playhouse, has been rewarded so much more than what I could have hoped for. The volunteers, board members, the staff, the program leaders and the participants I have had the opportunity to get to know, hang out with, converse and grow with, has made such a positive impact in my life. An impact that I strive to pay forward with every experience and interaction I have at Gigi’s.”
Kathy Klyczek, Literacy Coordinator
Kathy has been a volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park since 2017, and a Literacy Tutor since 2018. Kathy worked in elementary and special education for over 30 years before retiring in 2021. She holds a Masters's degree in both Special Education and Educational Administration from St. Xavier University. Kathy and her husband, Tony, live in Palos Heights and have adult twin daughters.
Kathy is looking forward to her new role as Literacy Tutoring Coordinator. She hopes to offer support to our current tutors and to expand the program to include more students and volunteer tutors.
Jill Topf, Site Assistant
With over 20 years of experience volunteering with children with special needs, Jill joined GiGi’s Tinley Park as a part-time Site Assistant in February of 2025, after she retired from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Jill states: “I am delighted to be part of this wonderful organization. I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue my passion for giving back.
In my role, I warmly welcome families and volunteers on Saturdays, ensuring our playhouse is ready for our free programs and witnessing the blossoming of new friendships. The most rewarding aspect of my time at GiGi’s, however, is engaging with the incredible individuals and families who grace our doors. I have also welcomed the opportunity to serve as a volunteer Literacy Tutor.”
Jill looks forward to another year of making an impact, offering hope, and positively changing the lives of those whom GiGi’s serves.
Molly Chesna, President
Molly Chesna has been a member of the Playhouse since her daughter, Mackenzie, was born in 2020. GiGi's has always been a place for her and her family to feel at home. Molly lives in Orland Park with her husband, Nick, and their daughters, Parker and Mack. She is a Small Business Portfolio Manager for Busey Bank. When she is not working, Molly enjoys listening to live music, traveling to beach towns, and planning activities for her family. Molly is thrilled to be a part of the GiGi's Board and hopes to spread the word about this wonderful place.
Bridget Davis, Vice President
Bridget Davis and her family started coming to GiGi's Playhouse shortly after her daughter, Hope, was born in 2022. Bridget became a board member of GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park when Hope turned 1!
Bridget lives in Palos Heights with her husband, Dan, and their three children, Danny, Grace, and Hope. Bridget is a partner at the law firm Berger Schatz in Chicago, Illinois. Bridget likes to go on spontaneous trips with her family and spend as much time outside as possible. Hope has taught Bridget and her entire family, as well as her friends, so much about Down Syndrome. Bridget is excited and honored to be a board member of GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park.
Greg Hammer, Treasurer
Greg joined the Board in March 2024 shortly after being introduced to Gigi’s Playhouse Tinley Park. He grew up in Rockford Illinois but has lived in Lockport for the last 22 years. He is married to Melissa and they have two daughters Megan and Lauren. Greg graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Finance and is a CPA. He has worked as a Finance executive for 25 years and is hoping to use those skills in the Treasurer role.
Nancy Mines, Fundraising
Nancy Mines is VP of Strategy & Client Experience at Geletka+, where she leads brand strategy, client engagement, and creative partnerships that help companies grow with clarity and impact. With more than 15 years of experience guiding design, strategy, and innovation initiatives for companies including Ocean Spray, Nestlé, and Abbott Nutrition, she brings deep expertise in Agile and Design Thinking practices. Nancy earned her Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Columbia College Chicago and her MBA from Roosevelt University, and she joined the GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park Board in December 2019.
Laura Savant, Board Member
Laura has been an integral part of the Playhouse since our doors opened in 2013. Her nephew “Mayor Matt” has been her driving force. In addition to being a Board Member, Laura is a volunteer leader of our Adult Cooking Club and she plans to be even more involved with adult programming in the future. She currently works in transfusion services at a local hospital.
John Haddad, Board Member
John has been a member of the GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park Family since his daughter, Alayna, turned 1 in 2017. You can always find him at one of our programs rooting her on. He is a partner in Reload Transportation Services, a logistics company and a Real Estate Agent with Better Homes and Gardens. In his spare time, John loves to spend his time with his daughters, Alayna and Abigail, watching Disney movies, doing projects, and having dance parties. They along with his wife, Liz, currently reside in Palos Heights.
Bridget Larson, Board Member
Bridget Larson is a Chicago Southside Native and comes to us after 6 years in the US Army as a Military Police Officer. She currently fulfills her role as a Construction Underwriter for Travelers Insurance. Bridget has been part of the Playhouse since her son RJ was born in 2021. Bridget lives in Lockport with her husband, Mike, and their two children, RJ and Charlie. Bridget loves all things about sports like the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Blackhawks. RJ has changed their families lives in countless ways and has opened up the doors to learning about what awareness, inclusion, and acceptance truly means. Bridget is excited to join the team and make a difference not only in her community but across other organizations as well!