Spotlight on Sharon: A Heart for Service at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton

At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we are incredibly grateful for volunteers who bring heart, passion, and dedication to every moment. Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Sharon Blackstock, someone whose kindness and commitment light up our Playhouse each week.

Sharon is a proud mother of four, grandmother of fourteen, and great-grandmother of one. She has lived a vibrant and inspiring life as a retired Associate Professor of English at Stark State, former certified professional dog trainer, and a devoted Christian. Her joy for serving others is evident the moment you meet her. Sharon says she loves volunteering at GiGi’s, and we feel that love in everything she does. When she’s not in the Playhouse, you can often find Sharon enjoying the cooler months of the year; Fall is her favorite season, with winter a close second. She stays active playing pickleball, line dancing, and cheering on her granddaughter at softball games.

Sharon first learned about GiGi’s through members of her church, Clayton and Colleen, who participate and volunteer here. Their involvement inspired her to visit, and we’re so grateful she did!

Today, Sharon serves as a Program Volunteer, leading both our GiGiFIT Infant and GiGiFIT Preschoolers classes. Her guidance, warmth, and enthusiasm help create a supportive, encouraging space where children and parents can learn, move, and grow together.

When asked about her favorite Playhouse moments, Sharon shared that it’s the classes where everyone—children, parents, and volunteers—works together, learns together, and has fun that bring her the most joy. Those are the moments that remind us why community matters so deeply.

Sharon, thank you for the love, energy, and generosity you bring to GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. Our families are stronger, our programs are richer, and our community is brighter because of you.

The GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint laxity, and decreased balance. Every GiGiFIT program is safe, effective, and progressive. GiGiFIT helps participants build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control. GiGiFIT empowers participants to be more independent and confident in their abilities while improving their overall health and wellness!

No matter your age and ability GiGiFIT is the program to support you! Learn more about our GiGiFIT family of programs and how you can get involved as a participant or volunteer by visiting https://gigisplayhouse.org/canton/gigifit/