FOUNDER/PRESIDENT

Victoria Giampaolo founded “The Giving G” as a vehicle to support finding a cure for SJIA and supporting other SJIA families after her own son was diagnosed with the disease. Victoria graduated from Kent State University in 2017 with a Bachelors degree in Science, and began her teaching career for middle school students for the Cleveland City School District. In 2020, she continued her education at Baldwin Wallace receiving her Masters in English. After the birth of her eldest son, she decided to pause her teaching career and stay at home full time to raise her children. The following year she had twin boys. Victoria’s driving desire to find a cure for her son makes her a great addition to the board.

VICE PRESIDENT

Meg has been a Registered Nurse for 35 years where she primarily works in long term care. She earned her Associates of Applied Science at Cuyahoga Community College. Meg has honed her skills for the last 24 years at Rae Ann Westlake skilled nursing and stroke rehabilitation facility. She manages nurses, nursing assistants and directs their work to meet the needs of their residents. Meg’s background and first hand experiences within a medical setting bring valued perspective and knowledge to the board. Meg’s experience with SJIA as Giovanni’s grandmother also makes her a devoted and engaged member of the board.

TREASURER

Brandy was born and raised in Northeast Ohio, where she still currently resides. Brandy is a graduate of Hiram College, where she obtained her Bachelors Degree in Accounting and Financial Management. She began her career as a Staff Accountant at a small family-owned manufacturing company, where she worked for four years. In her next role, Brandy took on a position of Accountant II for the Ohio Division of K. Hovnanian Homes, a National Homebuilder. Over the course of six years with K. Hovnanian Homes, she assumed a new role of Accounting Manager, which in turn led her to her current role of Division Controller.  Brandy has witnessed the recent struggles Giovanni and his family have endured on his path to fight SJIA. Brandy is eager to be on the Board in hopes of finding better treatments and a cure for all SJIA patients.

SECRETARY

Nicole is a lifelong resident of Lakewood, Ohio. She has earned Bachelor's Degrees from Adrian College and Cleveland State University before pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing from Cleveland State University. For the past six years, Nicole has worked as a Nurse at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.  Beyond her clinical responsibilities, she has actively contributed to hospital-wide councils and initiatives. Nicole and her husband, Sam, are close family friends of Giovanni. Witnessing the impact SJIA has had on Giovanni and his loved ones has inspired Nicole to become more involved in learning about the disease and supporting efforts to raise awareness. Through her nursing experience and personal connection to Giovanni's journey, she has developed a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by sJIA and has become an engaged participant in the foundation's mission.

Katie serves as a dedicated board member of The Giving G supporting Giovanni and all resilient children living with SJIA. In this role she is committed to raising awareness, fostering community support, and helping secure resources that contribute to children and families affected by SJIA. Her involvement is rooted in deep belief in compassion, advocacy, and the power of community. She works collaboratively with fellow board members to organize initiatives, support fundraising efforts, and ensure that these families feel supported every step of the way. Being a part of this mission is both an honor and responsibility, to which Katie is passionate about making a meaningful difference—both in Giovanni’s journey as well as all children who face SJIA.