Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating Elizabeth Mitchell
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we are blessed with a community of volunteers who pour their hearts into everything they do, and Elizabeth Mitchell is a shining example of this dedication. Elizabeth’s warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine care have touched the lives of everyone she interacts with at the Playhouse, and we are beyond grateful for her steadfast commitment.
Elizabeth’s journey with us began in the most organic way – through one of her students. As a Speech-Language Pathologist at an intermediate school, she was introduced to GiGi’s when a student proudly shared exercises from a GiGiFIT class. For Elizabeth, this moment planted a seed of curiosity and connection.
“Some of my favorite people have Down syndrome,” she shared, “and I always thought it would be so fun to hang out with them without having to be their ‘teacher.’ GiGi’s has allowed me to be friends with some amazing people and participate in their very full lives.”
A long-time Ohio resident and proud Guardians fan, Elizabeth has called the Buckeye State home for nearly 20 years. When she’s not volunteering or working, she finds joy in hiking through the scenic trails of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, baking delectable treats, playing trivia, and diving into a good book. Her love for life and community shines in everything she does, including her favorite spring season, when nature reawakens in a burst of energy and beauty—a reflection of the hope and positivity she brings to the Playhouse.
Elizabeth’s role as a program volunteer has been nothing short of transformative for our GiGi’s Kitchen Adult program. From her early days assisting in both Teen and Adult Kitchen sessions to her current focus on the Adult program, Elizabeth has made every moment count. She takes the time to listen, connect, and genuinely celebrate the lives of our participants. “The best thing about volunteering at GiGi’s is interacting with the participants,” she said. “I love learning about what’s going on in their lives. It’s so encouraging to hear them talk about their jobs, vacations, family, friendships, and relationships. My students are much younger than the participants in the Adult Kitchen program, so I’m able to imagine the great things they’ll be able to do when they grow up.”
It’s volunteers like Elizabeth who make our mission not just possible but extraordinary. Her dedication is a testament to the power of friendship, compassion, and a shared belief in the potential of every individual. Elizabeth, you are truly an irreplaceable part of the GiGi’s Playhouse family. Your efforts don’t just enrich the programs you support, they enrich the lives of everyone lucky enough to know you.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your selfless giving, your joyful spirit, and your unwavering belief in our community. Your presence is a gift to us all, and we are endlessly grateful for everything you do to make GiGi’s Playhouse a place where dreams come alive and friendships flourish.
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