Awareness
Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Lee Walls
Every Wednesday during the Amina Grace Speech and Language Session, GiGi’s is a hub of non-stop, purposeful programming with the Playhouse dedicated to providing families 1:1 Speech Therapy. We are incredibly grateful for a partnership with Loyola University Maryland/Loyola Clinical Centers and the dedication of on-site Faculty Supervisor Mary Lee Walls. Mary Lee has been…
Read MoreGiGi’s National Leadership Conference 2021
The GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Team had jam-packed, well-spent five days with staff, volunteers and supporters from around the GiGi’s Playhouse Network at the National Leadership Conference in the Chicago-area . Coming together and sharing ideas with 257 attendees, 85 speakers, 78 sessions, 77 countries, 61 locations, 5 days, all with 1 voice – changing the…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Barb DeCheubel
Barb is an amazing volunteer; she steps up wherever and whenever needed, she even changed her travel plans to help GiGi’s with the Navy Stadium Concessions Fundraiser! Wow, what a generous person! Barb has volunteered in support of many of our programs including GiGi Prep, Art Explosion, Fantastic Friends, International Explorers and Yoga. She always…
Read MoreMOD Pizza: “Not a Pizza Place, a PEOPLE Place!”
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month… what better way to celebrate inclusivity than to highlight Carmen, a loyal and hardworking employee at MOD Pizza. We would like to call it Down Syndrome Achievement Month for Carmen’s many talents she shares with others including ventriloquism, teaching downhill skiing to people…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Kamarri – “Intuitive & Kind Spirit”
Today we are shining the GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis Volunteer Spotlight on Kamarri, a terrific GiGi’s volunteer. Finding out about GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis: As a junior in high school, students are required to complete a summer project that helps other people. Kamarri and his mom Marsha first looked for a food bank in the area, but…
Read MoreProfessional LAX Athlete Kathy Rudkin is Passionate On and Off The Field
By Doni Dondero Kathy has an energetic nine-year-old cousin with Down syndrome in California who is her “bright light” and inspiration for volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse, all the way across the country in Annapolis. Kathy and her student lacrosse players at the Severn School, where she is the Varsity head coach, led GiGi’s AcceptDance event…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Marina “It’s All About Positivity & Kindness”
A little while ago, I found a link to GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis on my high school’s service website from the service coordinator. I had never heard of it, but I allowed curiosity to take the wheel. I clicked the link and it immediately displayed bright colors and smiling faces. From that moment, I wanted to…
Read MoreThree Children with Down syndrome is the charm in the Holthouse family – Danny, Sammy, & Cammy call America “Home Sweet Home”!
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 3-21-21 Each Wednesday morning GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis is alive with excitement waiting for the triple stroller to roll in, according to Site Coordinator Judy Co. Jean Holthouse and her three darling children Danny, Sammy, and Cammy, arrive to engage in the Amina Grace Speech Program. Jean shares that it…
Read MoreParticipant Best of All – International Explorer Alicia
This month’s participant #bestofall goes to Alicia! We love seeing GiGi’s participants becoming strong leaders. Alicia is a very outgoing and capable young woman. When she is not at her day job working at a local school, she serves as a GiGi’s Playhouse Intern. Alicia is always enthusiastically coming up with new ideas and has…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Sharon Pohl – Crawlers & Walkers Physical Therapist
Sharon Pohl has 32 years of experience as a physical therapist working with children with disabilities, so when she retired in July, she was seeking a volunteer experience where she could use that invaluable background. Speaking of her years with Montgomery County Public Schools and other organizations, she says, “It was extremely rewarding, in a…
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