Volunteer Spotlight: Ryan

Name: Ryan Troyer

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am 22 and have two dogs, Bella and Maggie. Bella is my favorite. I have an older sister, named Abby, and I’m at Siffrin Academy and I love being there. I also love Mardi Gras beads and anything Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- my favorite is Donatello.

We want to get to know you! What are some of your favorites? (food, color, season, activity, restaurant, place to shop, etc.)

I love hamburgers, pizza, and chocolate chip cookies. My favorite color is purple. I really like summer, but I like Christmas too. My favorite place to shop is anywhere I can find beads or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (and I can find them in almost any store.) I love to play baseball and my video games.

How did you learn about GiGi’s and what prompted you to become a volunteer?

My mom found GiGi’s and helped a team bring it to North Canton. Mom thought it would be great for me to help with LMNOP and share with the new families how awesome an adult with Down syndrome can be.

Tell us more about what you do at the Playhouse!

I help with LMNOP. We sing songs with signs and play with a parachute singing Ring Around the Rosy with our friends underneath.

What is your favorite experience you have had at the Playhouse?

Being with my friends and mom is a place where I can walk in and feel at home.

Ryan may seem familiar because he was also a part of our Siffrin Academy spotlight back in May! With October being Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and with all the great work Ryan has brought to the Playhouse, we are proud to showcase him as a self-advocate and to highlight all he does for the families of GiGi’s Playhouse. Whether it is volunteering to clean or organize with Siffrin Academy, creating celebration baskets for new families, or assisting at LMNOP, Ryan sure has a lot of great experience…and is the best at leading us through the animal noises during “Old MacDonald”!