Our Team
Erica Erdman, Wausau Founder/ Playhouse Manager
Erica is the driving force behind the GiGi’s Playhouse in North Central WI. Erica is a native of the area and has worked in the non-profit community serving the developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and unemployed populations for over 10 years. She received a BA in Psychology from UWSP with a focus in Human Services along with a BA in Art with an emphasis in glass…bringing creativeness to the Playhouse, events, and programming! Her passion can be seen throughout the Playhouse and she has even been the recipient of the local Jefferson Award!
Erica developed a strong sense of devotion to the advocacy needs of those in the Down syndrome community when her son, Braxton was born almost 7 years ago. Because Braxton wears his diagnosis on his face, she wanted more than just community awareness, she wanted genuine acceptance of him and felt the platform GiGi’s provided would support this shift in community perceptions of those with Down syndrome. Erica is grateful and humbled by the support provided to GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau and encourages everyone to stop in to be amazed and inspired!
Lizzy Kohel, Program & Volunteer Coordinator
Lizzy started her journey at GiGi’s as a volunteer in September of 2023, through an invitation to the Annual Harvest Picnic. Listening to the testimony of particpants, families, and volunteers of the organization piqued her interest. As the cousin of a participant at the Playhouse, she was drawn to the idea of giving back. She and her husband, Garrett, started volunteering regularly, becoming more and more involved in programs and events. In 2025, a position became available working with the Playhouse, and Lizzy knew this was the right choice for her and was thrilled to accept the role of Volunteer Coordinator.
She and Garrett live in the Wausau area with their two dogs, Xena and Francis. Lizzy also works as a nurse, after earning her associate's degree in nursing from Nicolet Area Technical College in 2015. She also enjoys crocheting, baking sourdough, and spending time outdoors.
Mark Henry, Operations Assistant
Mark is excited to be joining the Wausau GiGi's Playhouse team. As someone who has a disability himself, he is passionate about spreading the message of acceptance and inclusion everywhere he goes.
A graduate of UW-Milwaukee, Mark earned his BS in Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence Education in 2012. A Wausau native, he is happy to be returning to his hometown after spending nearly the last 15+ years in Milwaukee where he worked at both an All-Special Needs Highschool for 7 years, where he and his team were nominated for a Golden Apple award, and a Middle School for 5. Other experiences include working with the Wisconsin Lions Camp and Easter Seals.
In his spare time Mark enjoys being outdoors. He enjoys disc golf, golf, skiing, camping, and fishing as well as taking in outdoor concerts and festivals. Mark is also a member of WI Disability Caucus. He loves everything about WI sports and even had season tickets to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kim Dahm, Board President
Kim was born in Illinois and moved to the Wausau area at age 4. She received an Associate of Applied Science Degree from Northcentral Technical College. She has worked at Crooks Law Firm for 30 plus years as the Office Manager and Legal Assistant. Kim is a member of the Kiwanis of Wausau and serves on the Beyond Pencils and Crayons Advisory Committee at the Community Foundation. She also volunteers annually for the United Way Turkey Trot and volunteers for several programs at GiGi’s Playhouse. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending shows at the local theaters. Kim is excited to join the Board and looking forward to giving back.
Danielle Bauer, Board Vice-President
Danielle Bauer joined the GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau board with a deep passion for advocacy and inclusion. She and her husband, Scott, an optometrist at Marshfield Clinic, moved to Wausau in May 2024. They have three beautiful children—Evelyn, Lily, and Henry. As a mother to Henry, who has Down syndrome, Danielle brings a unique and valuable perspective to the Playhouse, understanding firsthand the importance of community, support, and empowerment. Danielle also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University.
Danielle is a dedicated advocate for individuals with Down syndrome and is committed to promoting GiGi’s Playhouse’s mission of global acceptance. She is actively involved in the community, volunteering her time to support families and raise awareness.
Outside of advocacy, Danielle loves embracing the beauty of Wisconsin’s outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, or enjoying bonfires with her family, she finds joy in nature and spending quality time with loved ones.
She is honored to serve on the board and looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Jennifer M Shymanski, Board Treasurer
Jennifer was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. She received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and a Juris Doctorate from Northern Illinois University - College of Law. Jennifer is currently the Vice President of Implementation and Strategy at IMPAXX, a Medicare Secondary Compliance consulting firm. Jennifer is also an adjunct instructor of Business Law at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, is an avid Green Bay Packed fan (and owner) and is a dedicated mom to her sassy yellow Labrador Tallie. Jennifer is excited to join the Board and is hoping to use her skills to make a positive impact and to contribute to our community and the GiGi's Playhouse core values.
Roxanne Fehr, Board Secretary
Roxanne is a dedicated professional currently serving as a Special Asset Loan Administrator at IncredibleBank, where she been proud to contribute for nearly four years. Her career spans over 16 years in financial services, including extensive experience in consumer lending and collections.
Originally from the picturesque town of Bayfield, Wisconsin, Roxanne was fortunate to grow up with Lake Superior as her backyard. This nurtured her lifelong passion for the outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys escaping up north to spend time on the water, boating, and enjoying nature with friends and family. Accompanying Roxanne on many of these adventures is her loyal Alaskan husky, Kraken, who shares her love for exploring the great outdoors.
Erin Radke, Board Member
Born and raised in Wausau, Erin attended North Central Technical College with degrees in Parts and Inventory Control Management and Legal Studies/Paralegal. Erin is a dedicated Contract Manager for a family owned manufacturer located in Central Wisconsin, with over 10 years of leadership in contract administration, negotiation, compliance, and multi-state project oversight.
For 14 years, Erin served as Agency Manager and Certified Coach with Special Olympics Wisconsin-Wausau Area Youth Agency 2-50, managing the agency and coaching local athletes in several sports. Erin was honored as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year and selected as Assistant Aquatics Coach for Team Wisconsin at the 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games in New Jersey.
Since 2023, she have been an active Volunteer Staff member at GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau, co-chairing the annual Harvest Picnic fundraiser and, now serving on the Board of Managers. With having a son with Down Syndrome and a participant of GiGi's, she is passionate about inclusion, empowerment, and creating joyful opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Erin brings proven strengths in program management, event planning and fundraising leadership from her days with SOWI and is excited to add her knowledge to GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau families and board.
When Erin is not working she loves spending time with her kids and family in the outdoors or the kitchen!
Jerry Melvin, Board Member
Raised in Sun Prairie, WI, Jerry attended Madison Area Technical College for Marketing. Jerry spent 12 years working for Goodwill North Central WI as a Store Team Leader and worked with program partners in the Wausau area including North Central Healthcare, Community Corner Clubhouse, Wausau School District, DC Everest School District, and Bridge Street Mission. Through these programs, Jerry worked with participants with barriers to employment assisting with developing soft skills to help with future employment. Jerry currently works at Valley Communities Credit Union as a branch manager, where he has 15 prior years of experience in the financial industry.
Jerry actively engages with the community, having been involved with the Wausau Ara Jaycees for 10 years and served on the Board of Directors for the Lincoln County Humane Society. Currently, Jerry is an active member of the Wausau Elks Lodge served on their board of directors for 4 years including serving as the organizations President in 2024. While involved in organizations, Jerry enjoys organizing fundraisers and socials.
Outside of work and community involvement, Jerry enjoys spending time with his wife, Cheryl, of 25 years, and son Zachary who is 20 years old. As a family, they enjoy volunteering, spending time with friends and family, and time with their three cats. Jerry also indulges in curating a vintage toy collection.
Jerry is excited to join the Board of Managers with GiGi’s Playhouse to further make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Jeffrey Otto, Board Member
Megan Huerth, Outreach/New Parent Coordinator
Megan has been a local resident of the area most of her life, growing up in Rothschild and now living in Weston. She attended University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, where she earned her bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Human Development. After graduation, Megan was given an opportunity to analyze business data, instead of people as she originally intended, and she’s never turned back. Her family, consisting of her husband (Clayton), daughter (Adalyn), and son (Corbyn), enjoys exploring the outdoors, cheering on their favorite Wisconsin-based sports teams, and spending time with their families.
Megan learned firsthand about GiGi’s Playhouse after her son was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after his birth. She looks forward to spreading awareness with all that GiGi’s Playhouse has to offer our community, as well as connecting with parents who are experiencing a similar emotional rollercoaster that follows a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Melissa Baldwin- Self Advocacy Ambassador
Missy was born and raised in Minocqua WI. She graduated from Lakeland Union High school in 2012. Then studied Business Education at Edgewood College. She received a 2-year certification with the cutting edge program in Madison WI. She moved to Wausau WI in 2018. She volunteers at Marathon County literacy program and North Central Health care. In her free time, Missy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, participating in Special Olympics, traveling and loves country music.
Amanda Vollendorf, Outreach Coordinator
Amanda was born and raised in Waukesha County and relocated to the Wausau area in 2016 with her husband. She graduated from UW Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in Early Elementary Education.
Amanda has prior experience as an educator in two elementary schools (Neenah and Oconomowoc), but in most recent years has enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom to her two boys Easton (7) and Sawyer (4).
Amanda owns a small LLC specializing in wedding and holiday décor. Her experience with helping plan weddings, sparked her interest in helping plan events within the playhouse. You will often find Amanda decorating for events and helping coordinate the details.