Meet Our Staff
Ally Cashmer - Family Care Coordinator & Case Manager
I’m Ally Cashmer, the Family Care Coordinator and Case Manager at Gio’s Garden. I support families from their first inquiry through graduation by guiding them through registration, gathering care information, and connecting them with resources to ensure personalized support for their child. I earned my degree in Human Development and Family Studies from UW–Madison and started working at Gio’s in 2023. Seeing the center’s dedication to meeting each child’s unique needs, I knew I had to stay. I love being part of a team that helps families feel seen, supported, and celebrated while watching each child grow and gain independence.
Emily Matsen - Staff & Volunteer Supervisor
I am Emily Matsen, the Staff & Volunteer Supervisor, a Recreational Therapist and a Case Manager at Gio’s. I provide leisure-based, goal-focused therapy sessions to help children grow and develop skills, while also overseeing onboarding, training, and support for team members. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse with a degree in Recreational Therapy, I have been with Gio’s since 2019. I love seeing each child make progress toward their goals, enjoy working alongside my wonderful coworkers every day, and am dedicated to supporting the entire family throughout their journey at Gio’s.
Alli Ripp - Community Integration Coordinator & Case Manager
My name is Alli Ripp, and I am the Community Integration Coordinator and a Case Manager at Gio’s Garden. I plan all of our field trips and bring the community into Gio’s through activities like Dog Therapy, Music Therapy, and Story Time with local librarians. I attended MATC for Human Services and have four years of experience working with children and families. What drew me to Gio’s was my passion for helping kids thrive and succeed. I love being part of this team because it feels like we’re all family here, supporting one another and the families that we serve!
Danielle Graser - Administrative Coordinator & Case Manager
My name is Danielle Graser and I am the Administrative Coordinator as well as a Case Manager at Gio's Garden. I am the point of contact for the families on my caseload and I create the respite care schedule. I have a degree and teaching license in early childhood regular and special education and was a teacher for 8 years in early childhood. I discovered Gio's Garden while participating in an internship. I have loved it ever since! Everyone at Gio's is treated with respect, kindness, and compassion. I love being a part of a great team!
Lauren Ball - Recreational Therapist & Case Manager
My name is Lauren Ball, and I am a Recreational Therapist and Case Manager at Gio’s Garden. I plan and facilitate Recreational Therapy sessions and make sure that each child on my caseload has up-to-date documentation so that each Respite Care Specialist is prepared to care for that child. I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a major in Recreational Therapy and a minor in Applied Behavioral Analysis. After completing my Recreational Therapy Internship at Gio’s Garden, I knew that I wanted to move from North Carolina to Wisconsin to work full-time at Gio’s Garden.
