A Family Affair: The Braham Family’s Heart for GiGi’s Playhouse
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we often say that community is what makes our mission come alive, but every so often, a family comes along that embodies that truth in the most beautiful way. The Braham family is one of those families. Through volunteering, participation, and genuine care for others, Ashley, Michael, and Sean each play a unique role in creating the welcoming, joyful environment that defines our Playhouse.
Michael Braham is a familiar face to many and proudly holds the self-proclaimed title of Chief Smiles Officer. A participant who truly lights up the room, Michael loves GiGiFIT, cooking, and dancing—and his energy is contagious. Outside the Playhouse, Michael works at New Horizons, where he feeds and takes care of goats and chickens. He loves pasta (Olive Garden is always a favorite stop), the color blue, listening to music, and fall (especially because of Thanksgiving). Michael is also known for coining the word “delish” during our programs.
Michael has been part of GiGi’s Playhouse for years, starting with GiGiFIT and continuing to show up wherever he can, most recently also involved in Dance: Adults, GiGi’s Kitchen Adult, and the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program. While he primarily participates in programs, he’s always quick to help clean up, encourage friends, and make sure everyone around him feels included. One of his favorite memories? Dancing his heart out at Putts and Pints for a Purpose while cheering everyone on—a moment that perfectly captures Michael’s joy and spirit.
Michael’s involvement inspired the rest of his family to jump in as well. His sister, Ashley, balances her days as a registered behavior technician with evenings volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse. Ashley first learned about GiGi’s through Michael’s involvement and from her stepmom, Wendy, who is always telling others about GiGi’s. Ashley’s desire to spend more time supporting her brother and his peers led her to become a volunteer, and today, Ashley supports the Playhouse through math tutoring, literacy tutoring, and helping with events like the GiGi’s Dash for Down Syndrome and Putts and Pints for a Purpose.
Ashley loves fall, reading, podcasts, and the color forest green, and she brings that same calm, steady presence to every role she takes on. When asked about her favorite experience at the Playhouse, her answer is simple and heartfelt: all of it. For Ashley, seeing participants experience their “best of all” moments, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging is what makes volunteering so meaningful.
Completing the family volunteer trio is Sean, Michael’s dad, who volunteers as a program volunteer in GiGi’s Kitchen Adult. Sean describes the group he works with not just as participants, but as family. Together, they focus on building cooking skills, safely using utensils, and practicing polite social skills like saying “please” and “thank you.” Sean loves sushi, the color blue, fall weather, and spending time with family around small fires on his back porch – values that clearly translate into the warmth he brings to the Playhouse.
For Sean, one of the most meaningful parts of volunteering is meeting new adults in cooking class, reconnecting with returning families, and watching relationships grow. As he puts it, GiGi’s Playhouse is a great place to learn and meet new friends, and he’s grateful to be part of that environment alongside both of his children.
The Braham family reminds us that GiGi’s Playhouse isn’t just a place you go, it’s a place you belong. Through smiles, service, encouragement, and shared experiences, Ashley, Michael, and Sean help make our Playhouse feel like home. We are incredibly thankful for their time, their hearts, and the example they set for what family involvement in our mission can look like.
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st with us by giving back to your community. Wear your most fun socks and get involved! Volunteer with GiGi’s Playhouse by visiting https://gigisplayhouse.org/canton/volunteer/
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