OUR BOARD
We're here to help parents, educators, and clinicians with resources that foster reading, literacy, healthy living, and children's mental health initiatives.
Suzanne Kline
Founder
Children's author Suzanne Kline founded Giz Kids Foundation as a not-for-profit children's organization. In 2020, she answered the critical need for virtual learning during the nationwide school shutdowns by collaborating with puppeteers, educators, and filmmakers specializing in cinematic studio productions. Soon, many more children can watch and listen to an educational VLOG/ Podcast in select Children's Hospitals. Geared to the savvy Generation Alpha youth, the innovative live-puppet production brings an array of kid-friendly topics and experts sharing their wisdom about sports, sciences, technology, and the arts.
Since 2015, Gizmo & Friends children's books, plush toys, and short-story videos have received rave reviews from thousands of enthusiastic fans!
Dr. Celina Moore, M.D., F.A.A.P.
VICE PRESIDENT
Dr. Celina Moore is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 20 years of experience caring for children and families. She completed her undergraduate studies at Loyola College of Maryland and her pediatric residency at Miami Children’s Hospital. She previously co-founded Advanced Pediatrics of Boca and now leads Moore Healthy Kids, a concierge pediatric practice in West Palm Beach focused on personalized, preventive, and family-centered care.
Dr. Moore formerly served as Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at West Boca Medical Center and is an Affiliate Professor at Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine, where she mentors future physicians. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, she has a strong interest in genetics, developmental health, and whole-child wellness.
In addition to her medical career, Dr. Moore is deeply committed to global health initiatives. Together with her husband, Steve, she helped build a school in Ghana to support underserved communities. She was also honored with the Soroptimist Woman of the Year Award for her leadership and community service.
Above all, Dr. Moore is a devoted mother of three and is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children everywhere.
Vasi Siedman
President | Executive Director
Vasi Siedman is an award-winning third-generation photographer based in West Palm Beach, Florida, with professional experience in photography since 2012. She holds two degrees in photography and studied Visual Arts at New Bulgarian University in Bulgaria.
Her work has been featured in The New York Times, People Magazine, Dogster, In Touch Weekly, Times Square, and international publications and books. Known for her creative portraiture and storytelling style, Vasi is also an educator, speaker, and podcast host who has inspired photographers worldwide through workshops, interviews, and online education.
In addition to running her photography studio, Vasi serves as a creative leader for Woof Chat Kids and Giz Kids Foundation, where she develops branding, visual content, backgrounds, and marketing materials for educational productions. She also supports administration, board collaboration, and community partnerships.
Vasi is passionate about using photography, media, and storytelling to support nonprofit organizations, animal rescue groups, children, and families through meaningful creative initiatives.
Jennifer Corcoran
Director, Strategic Partnerships & Growth
Jennifer Corcoran serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships & Growth at Giz Kids Foundation, where she focuses on building meaningful relationships to expand the organization’s mission and community impact. She leads partnership development with hospitals, sponsors, businesses, and community organizations, helping to create sustainable opportunities for the growth of Woof Chat Kids and other educational initiatives.
Jennifer brings a strong passion for collaboration, outreach, and mission-driven leadership. She works closely with the board, supporters, and partners to strengthen community engagement, increase awareness, and help develop programs that positively support children and families.
With a relationship-centered approach and dedication to long-term impact, Jennifer plays an important role in helping Giz Kids Foundation continue to grow its network, expand its reach, and create innovative educational opportunities for children nationwide.
Dr. James Alex Clark, PhD
DIRECTOR, TECHNOLOGY ADVISOR
Dr. James Alex Clark is an educator, researcher, and technology advisor with expertise in psychology, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and emerging technologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Complex Systems and Brain Sciences from Florida Atlantic University, where his research focused on artificial intelligence, machine perception, and cognitive robotics.
Dr. Clark currently serves as a Psychology Professor at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, where he teaches critical thinking, human behavior, and scientific literacy. Passionate about education and community service, he also volunteers to support students and young learners throughout South Florida.
One of the great joys in his life is Boo, a rescue dog who survived Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Together, they serve as a therapy dog team visiting schools and nursing homes.
As a Board Member and Technology Advisor for Giz Kids Foundation since 2019, Dr. Clark helps support educational innovation, STEM learning, and programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning for children.
Karen Kahn
DIRECTOR, TREASURE
Karen Kahn is an Education and Early Learning Consultant with a strong background in early childhood education, special needs advocacy, and child development. A New York City native, she earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Syracuse University and a degree in Social Work from Adelphi University.
Karen spent many years working as a social worker and educational administrator specializing in children with autism, learning disabilities, and developmental challenges. Throughout her career, she collaborated closely with psychologists, speech therapists, occupational and physical therapists, and educators to help evaluate children and develop supportive educational and treatment plans.
As a Founding Board Member of Giz Kids Foundation, Karen is passionate about supporting children through literacy, creativity, and educational enrichment programs. She also actively assists with community outreach and in-person events, helping create welcoming and engaging experiences for children and families.
Casey McCullough, RDN, FL Registered Dietitian
DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS
Casey Kiernan McCullough is a South Florida-based Registered Dietitian, professional athlete, and wellness advocate whose life and career have been deeply connected to the ocean, health, and community service. A graduate of the University of North Florida with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Casey has made meaningful contributions in healthcare, sports nutrition, and wellness education.
A three-time Women’s World Champion in professional skimboarding, Casey also actively competes in paddleboard racing and promotes healthy, active living through her personal and professional work. Her passion for helping others extends to nonprofit leadership, including her role with Piper’s Angels Foundation, which supports families affected by cystic fibrosis, as well as additional community and charitable initiatives throughout South Florida.
As a Board Director for Giz Kids Foundation, Casey brings valuable expertise in nutrition, wellness, and child-focused education. Recently becoming a mother has deepened her passion for supporting children and families, and she is dedicated to helping expand Woof Chat Kids' mission through health, wellness, and positive lifestyle education.
Lisa Heitzman
DIRECTOR
Before relocating to Florida nearly 30 years ago, Lisa Heitzman built a successful career in the fast-paced mortgage banking industry. After moving to South Florida, she dedicated her time to raising her two children while actively volunteering with several youth-focused organizations and community initiatives.
Lisa has always been passionate about supporting children, families, and programs that create positive opportunities for growth, confidence, and well-being. Her long-standing commitment to community involvement and youth development naturally led her to join Giz Kids Foundation, where she is proud to support meaningful educational and wellness-focused programs for children and families.
In addition to her work with the foundation, Lisa enjoys traveling, staying active through pickleball and golf, and spending time at the beautiful beaches and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle that South Florida offers. She is grateful to call South Florida home and is excited to continue making a positive impact through her work with Giz Kids Foundation.
Mae Maimone
Director, Strategic Partnership
Mae Maimone brings extensive experience in finance, strategic planning, and organizational development. Her expertise helps guide Giz Kids Foundation through thoughtful growth, long-term planning, and sustainable decision-making as the organization expands its educational programs and community impact.
As Secretary of the Board, Mae provides valuable leadership in organizational operations, governance, and strategic initiatives. She works closely with the board to support program development, strengthen partnerships, and explore funding opportunities that help advance the Foundation’s mission.
A dedicated supporter of education and children’s causes, Mae is passionate about helping create opportunities that inspire learning, creativity, and positive outcomes for children and families. Her guidance and commitment continue to play an important role in the growth and success of Giz Kids Foundation.
Martin Wafalosky
Director, Communication and Media
Martin Wafalosky supports Giz Kids Foundation’s online presence through strategy-driven storytelling, helping turn milestones, programs, and community impact into meaningful content that connects with families, supporters, and partners. He believes social media is about building community first and helping people feel personally connected to the mission.
With a strong focus on communication, branding, and audience engagement, Martin helps strengthen the Foundation’s digital outreach and visibility across platforms. He works closely with the team to highlight educational initiatives, hospital partnerships, events, and the growing impact of Woof Chat Kids.
Passionate about positive storytelling and community involvement, Martin is dedicated to helping the Giz Kids Foundation expand its reach and inspire greater support for children and families through authentic, engaging media.
Tina Peel
Educational Content Consultant
Peel is an experienced content creator, consultant, and executive producer of Emmy-award- winning Tv content and cross-platform children's media. Tina brings over 36 years of experience with a Master's in Education, Concentration in Human Development from Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. She earned a Double Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Early Education from Skidmore College, New York, offering experience from working on countless projects.
Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., PBS, Disney, Discovery Kids (Domestic and International), Macmillan Publishers, Scholastic, Pinna, WildBrain Entertainment, Sony Wonder, Moody Studios, The Michael Cohen Group, Storyology Studios, and production partners worldwide benefited from her vast knowledge in developing children's content.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Jaime Velez-Soto
Producer | Director
Jaime Velez-Soto, a Brooklyn native, transitioned from city streets to the entertainment industry with passion and determination. After moving to Florida at 14, he explored diverse paths, including firefighting and performing at Medieval Times, before landing an internship at Nickelodeon Studios. There, he worked on iconic shows like Double Dare 2000 and Slime Time Live, learning from directors like Kim Fields and Chuck Vinson.
Following Nickelodeon’s Orlando closure, Jaime expanded into reality TV, contributing to hit shows like The Little Couple and Nanny 911, while also co-producing and directing independent films. His directorial debut, Turning Back, earned global festival awards and a top spot on Christianmovies.com.
Jaime’s career soared with Disney Channel’s Game On, where he directed all 26 episodes, boosting viewership by 36% among kids 8-14 and securing the #1 time slot. Now a freelancer with ESPN/ABC, Jaime has earned multiple Emmy nominations for live sports broadcasts, including College Football Gameday and AEW Wrestling. He also played a key role in the 2023 XFL launch with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Marion Wildey
Producer | Writer
Wildey works in the Television and Film production industry, part of a talented group of industry professionals that combines intimately to produce the best product possible. From the '90s with Nickelodeon Studios to current productions with TLC and A&E, Marion has proudly "come to set" as a well-rounded writer, editor, script supervisor, and producer with an attention to detail.
Happy to lend her talents to innovative educational projects, like Gizmo’s Woof Chat, Marion is always willing to use her vast knowledge to bring a production to life. She recently served as Producer for the AKC Meet the Breeds held at Jacob K Javits Convention Center in New York City. The venue featured four of the favorite Gizmo’s Woof Chat puppeteers performing for over 160,000 fans.
Mark Russell
Producer | Post-Editor Director
Russell heralds 28 years of experience in videography production, editing, and graphic design. He's the founder of Iron Pixel Media and President of Iron Pixel Studio in Orlando, FL. The studio is an incredibly talented group of professionals who go above and beyond to surpass clients' expectations offering the latest LED technology.
Mark brings a keen eye for detail with his unique background and vast experience in filming puppet productions. Russel heralds work with Discovery Channel, the Walt Disney Company, The History Channel, A&E, and documentaries for NASA, Netflix, ABC Network, and the Discovery Channel.