Our Team
Program and Volunteer Coordinator
Claire LeBlond
Clare grew up in Minnesota where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Development with a minor in Psychology. She is a graduate of the Magna Cum Laude at Concordia University. Having taught children for 6 years, she has focused on reducing learning gaps and promoting physical, mental, and social development. Claire’s passion for GiGi’s Playhouse initially started when she volunteered for the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. Claire married her Highschool sweetheart and loves to spend time at the lake with their two Australian Shepherds. “I am a dedicated and driven individual who is passionate about helping individuals reach their goals and lead full lives. I look forward to forming relationships and building a Virtual Playhouse community.”
Program and Volunteer Coordinator
Laura Krueger
Laura is a passionate advocate for love, connection, and making a positive impact. She finds joy in life's simplest pleasures, from treasured moments spent with her husband and their sweet rescue dog, Sal, to embracing the beauty of the great outdoors. Throughout her time working, she has found a deep passion for working with people with disabilities, particularly those with Down Syndrome. Her dedication to advocacy and unwavering support for others reflects her commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. Having previously served as the Program Coordinator at the Raleigh Playhouse, she brings valuable experience to her role, with a vision to enhance the Virtual Playhouse's impact. The mission at GiGi’s Playhouse, with its focus on empowerment and education, resonates profoundly with Laura, and she eagerly looks forward to utilizing her expertise to help make the Virtual Playhouse an enriching and supportive community for all. "I hope to foster a virtual space where individuals of all abilities can thrive, learn, and connect. I am excited to collaborate with the incredible team here to continue to make this vision a reality and continue making a positive difference in the lives we touch.”
Literacy and Math Manager
Cindy Marie Judy
Cindy Marie began volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix when they opened in 2015. Based on over 40 years of experience as a teacher, she was asked to join the Literacy pilot program and then quickly became more involved with other programs at GiGi’s. She has worn many hats at the Phoenix Playhouse including being a tutor, Literacy and Math Coordinator, Director of Programs, and Volunteer Coordinator. Plus, she is also a member of several National GiGi’s Playhouse Committees. You can find her spending time with her four grandchildren, watching their sporting events, and traveling. When the opportunity to join the Virtual Playhouse as a volunteer Manager of the Literacy & Math Tutoring Program, Cindy Marie was excited to be able to help more children and adults improve their reading and math skills. “I look forward to meeting new participants, their families, and tutors as the Virtual Playhouse Tutoring Team keeps growing. I want to inspire and challenge each individual to achieve their BEST of ALL.”