Volunteer Spotlight

Welcome Back to Fantastic Friends Co-Lead Amanda Schneider

Amanda is a familiar face to Fantastic Friends participants because she has been an important part of the Friday evening adult event since the Playhouse opened in 2018.  She took a break during part of 2025, but is back co-leading with Elizabeth while the regulars and newbies rock the Playhouse with karaoke, dancing, games, and ice breakers.

This dedicated volunteer grew up with her sister Perpetua who had Down syndrome.  Amanda pointed out how different things were when he sister was born in 1963 compared to the opportunities people who are differently-abled have now.  In that era, parents were expected to put their child in an institution instead of raising them at home with the rest of the family.   

When her parents refused to separate Perpetua from the rest of the family, Amanda recalls, they faced enormous barriers.  Schools would not accept Perpetua.  “It wasn’t until she was a teenager that my sister was enrolled in a program where she learned life skills.  I remember that her teachers were wonderful, but the program itself was lacking.”  Amanda’s family lived in Newfoundland, Canada, where relatives still reside. Sadly, Perpetua died at age 54.

Experience as a guidance counselor in both middle and high school reinforces Amanda’s solid background and experience.  She and her husband have two teenage daughters, Miriam, who is in 8th grade and Chaya, who is in 10th.  Amanda has actively volunteered at her daughters’ schools since they were in preschool.  While she has served in many roles, it was her older daughter’s love of performing that pulled her in to serve as “play mom” for six theatrical productions.

Amanda notes that having family volunteers at the Friday night Fantastic Friends is really important, and she applauds the many family members who come out to provide assistance.  Fantastic Friends is one of GiGi’s most popular programs, and is open to adults who are at least 18.

Amanda also helps to gather auction items for the GiGi’s gala, coming up on October 23 at Yellowfin Steak and Seafood Restaurant on Rt. 2 in Edgewater, on the Annapolis side of the South River bridge.