The Playmakers Team

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of leaders who share a deep commitment to Playmakers' mission. Each board member brings a wealth of experience from various industries, along with a personal passion for creating inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities. Together, they provide strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring that Playmakers stays true to its vision while continuing to grow and serve the community. Their dedication and leadership are instrumental in helping us fulfill our mission and achieve long-term impact.

Cynthia Brannon

Co-Founder / President & CEO

Cynthia is a California native and a longtime resident of Long Beach. With a deep belief that all of God’s children are perfect, Cynthia was an easy recruit when her accountant’s son, who has Down Syndrome, wanted to play baseball. When they needed volunteers to coach, recruit, and manage the league, Cynthia raised her hand without hesitation—starting a beautiful new chapter in her life.

For over forty years, Cynthia ran a successful interior design firm, balancing creativity with business acumen. Her expertise in both structural and creative problem-solving has been key to shaping Playmakers. Cynthia’s vision for the Playmakers Village is so clear that she can picture walking through it in her mind—and she’s made it her life’s mission to bring that vision to life. Until then, you’ll find her at nearly every session, getting to know the kids, learning about who they are, and understanding their needs. “That’s how we keep our programs on track. And I love the beautiful spirit and determination these kids show every day. They motivate me.” Cynthia lives by the idea that “gratitude is the only real path to happiness,” and she’s incredibly thankful for this project. “It’s a gift that continues to connect us with wonderful people, resources, and possibilities,” she says. Cynthia is determined to see the Playmakers Village built, knowing it will fill a tremendous need in the community. And she won’t stop until Opening Day.

Susan Graham

Co-Founder / Treasurer

Susans journey with adaptive baseball began in 2015 when she and her husband founded a Challenger League within their local youth baseball program. The inspiration came from a memorable family day at the ballpark. While their daughter, Isabella, was practicing for T-ball, their son, Mikey, who has Down Syndrome, surprised everyone by picking up a bat.

“He placed the ball on the tee, swung, and knocked it off, then ran straight to 3rd base,” Susan recalls. “He was just three years old and had only been walking for a short time, but after watching his sister, he decided he wanted to play too.” That moment sparked a realization: there needed to be a league where children like Mikey could play. Susan and Mike successfully ran the Challenger League for six years, but as their program grew, so did the need for a more adaptive facility. When the lockdowns hit, Susan and co-founder Cynthia used the time to form their own 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They knew their kids needed more than just baseball—they needed a variety of programs, from sports to enrichment activities, in a space designed specifically for them. They needed a community center. With her strong background in numbers and strategic planning, Susan’s skills have been invaluable to Playmakers. As a parent of a child with disabilities, her insights bring a depth of understanding to the organization, helping to shape its vision. And through it all, Mikey continues to inspire everyone he meets, reminding us why this work is so important.

Ron Krajniak

Board Chair

After a successful career in international logistics, Ron Krajniak chose early retirement to focus on caring for his now adult son, Ben, who was born with Cerebral Palsy. During his professional career, Ron served as Global Vice President of Operations Support and Vice President and General Manager for the Americas at two large international logistics companies.

As Playmakers' Board Chair, Ron brings his extensive leadership experience, along with a unique blend of diplomacy and logistics expertise, to the table. His passion for brainstorming new ideas, combined with his strengths in research, statistics, and data analysis, make him a perfect fit for the organization. From the very beginning, Ron has been driven by Playmakers’ mission to better integrate the Special Needs community into the fabric of society. He shares our belief that individuals with disabilities are often underestimated and that their potential for greater inclusion and achievement is both real and powerful.

Executive Team

The Playmakers Executive Team is a dedicated group of individuals who lead with passion, vision, and a shared commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities. As a 100% volunteer-led organization, every team member brings their unique skills and personal connection to the cause, working tirelessly to ensure our programs continue empowering and inspiring. This collective spirit of service and community fuels everything we do at Playmakers.

Rachel Gould

Chief Development & Operating Officer

Josh Green

Chief Information Officer

Karr Perez

Director, Marketing & Communications

Sharmaine Webb

Director, Human Resources

Coaching Team

Our Operations Team, made up of dedicated program directors and coaches, is the heart and soul of Playmakers. These passionate individuals work directly with our athletes, ensuring that every program is adaptive, inclusive, and fun. Their expertise and hands-on approach create a safe and supportive environment where participants can thrive. Their commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through play and sports is the driving force behind the success of our programs, and they play a critical role in making Playmakers’ vision a reality.

Baseball Director

Mike Gomez

Mike’s love for baseball began early, and by age 13, he found himself competing in the Babe Ruth World Series, under the guidance of coach Cuck McMichaels, who later became a Major League Baseball scout and executive. Mike’s passion for the game eventually led him to coach his daughter’s first baseball team, where he noticed the budding interest of his 3-year-old son, Mikey, who has Down Syndrome. Mike’s sharp coaching instincts helped him adapt baseball drills specifically for Mikey, sparking the idea that would eventually become Playmakers.

In 2016, Mike and his wife, Susan, founded a Challenger League for special needs kids, with Mikey as the first player. Over the years, Mike’s expertise and catalog of coaching techniques have grown, allowing him to tailor his approach to fit each child’s unique needs. Today, he directs our entire baseball program, blending his love for the game with his deep commitment to adaptive coaching. With a Master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University, Irvine, and certifications in Personal Training and Mental Performance, Coach Mike brings both skill and heart to the Playmakers family. His wife, Susan, serves as Co-Founder and Treasurer, and their children, Isabella and Mikey, continue to be part of the program. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated leader at the helm of our baseball program.

Dance and Cheer Director

Susie Haendiges

Susie has been teaching ballet, jazz, and tap dance for over 25 years, beginning her journey in Whittier, CA, where she offered extracurricular dance classes in private schools, preschools, and community programs. Her passion for dance extended to choreographing musicals for community theaters, further fueling her love for teaching and performing.

For the last 20 years, Susie lived in Katy, Texas, where she taught at two well-known dance studios. As director of primary classes at one studio, she focused on young dancers, and at the other, she worked with junior and senior high competition groups. Alongside her extensive dance experience, Susie holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and is a certified Texas teacher in early education through 6th grade, as well as special education. Recently, Susie and two of her three sons relocated back to Southern California, where she is eager to share her love of dance with a new group of students. Her blend of dance expertise and background in child development makes her a perfect fit for Playmakers.

Art Animator

Andrew Shiley

Andrew became part of our family at age 25 when Playmakers' President's sister married his father, and from the very beginning, he brought an infectious joy and a warm spirit. Whenever family gatherings got a bit too noisy, Andrew would retreat to a quiet space, where he would dedicate time to his passion—animation. He starts by drawing and coloring his ideas by hand before bringing them to life through his animation software.

Now, Andrew lives independently in his own apartment, holds a driver’s license, and balances two part-time jobs. At his first job in a frozen yogurt shop, customers would return just to visit him. His second role is at a bakery that proudly employs individuals from the special needs community, where Andrew helps make coffee drinks, create baked goods, and welcome customers with a smile. At Playmakers, we know Andrew is special, but his success isn’t unique—it’s a testament to what can happen when someone is given the opportunity to thrive. Our mission is to help all of our participants achieve their fullest potential, guided by the belief that we should “Never assume they can’t.” With your support, we can create more opportunities for individuals like Andrew to succeed.

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