Volunteer Spotlight: Roxanne

GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is deeply grateful for the volunteers who pour their hearts into our mission. Roxanne Schnabel is a lifelong advocate, dedicated mother, and an incredible champion for individuals with disabilities.

Roxanne recently retired after serving 20 years as the Director of Nursing for GentleBrook in Hartville, where she cared for 50 individuals with disabilities. Her passion for this community spans decades, as she has volunteered in the field since she was 14 and has served on the boards of both The Arc and Pegasus Farm. She has also been a Special Olympics swim coordinator and leader of the Sign Choir for many years. Advocacy and inclusion have truly been her life’s work.

Roxanne is a proud mother of three and a grandmother of one: Her grandson Link loves to visit Ohio along with her daughter Nikki, who lives in San Francisco and supports our local GiGi’s; Joel, who lives in Hartville with is dog Leo and works as a cook after graduating from supported employment through the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities; and Missy, her youngest, who has Down syndrome and has been blessing their family since she joined them at just three months old. Missy is now 37, living in a home with five roommates, working at the GentleBrook Greenhouse, and absolutely loving her time at GiGi’s.

Some of Roxanne’s favorite things? She loves summer and the lake life, boating with her husband and kids. Blue is her favorite color, she enjoys traveling with her family, loves almost every kind of food, and is always happy to shop for clothes or gifts.

At the Playhouse, Roxanne is a powerhouse volunteer involved in programs, fundraising, and events. She serves on the gala committee for A Night for GiGi’s, volunteers on Wednesday nights during our GiGi’s Kitchen Adult class, and has supported major events like Putts & Pints for a Purpose and the Dash for Down Syndrome (formerly known as the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge). Her joy, compassion, and steady leadership shine through in everything she does.

When asked about her favorite Playhouse experience, Roxanne simply said:

“Everything is wonderful!!!” “It’s a dream come true to have GiGi’s for all of our very special individuals and the families.”

And with volunteers like her, it truly is. Roxanne, thank you for your decades of advocacy, your love for our community, and the incredible heart you bring to GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. We are so lucky to have you in our family!

Join Roxanne at A Night for GiGi’s on Saturday, March 14th to celebrate possibilities; dine, drink, and dance; and support our mission of acceptance for all! Tickets are available by visiting: https://gigisplayhouse.org/canton/a-night-for-gigis/