Posts by mvance
Sheena Stropki: Mom, Educator, Volunteer & More!
As this month’s volunteer spotlight, we’re thrilled to highlight Sheena Stropki, a dedicated mom, educator, and cherished member of our GiGi’s Playhouse Canton family! Sheena is the proud mom of Paxton, whose Down syndrome diagnosis first connected their family with GiGi’s when he was just one month old. Today, Sheena is not only an active…
Read MoreReflecting on the 2025 GiGi’s Annual Leadership Conference
Earlier in November, our team had the privilege of joining Playhouse leaders from across the country for the 2025 GiGi’s Annual Leadership Conference – a powerful gathering filled with inspiration, learning, and connection. Throughout the conference, we reflected on the incredible growth of our network, now more than 60 Playhouses strong, and explored new ways…
Read MoreOvercoming Obstacles: Matt’s Best of All
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, there is no challenge too big to overcome, and our Best of All honoree this month, Matt, is living proof of that. Matt approaches every challenge with determination, joy, and a “can-do” attitude that inspires everyone around him. Whether it’s through his school work or here at the Playhouse, Matt actively…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Sherry☀️
Often times, we have engaged families who participate in Playhouse programs that want to give back in a meaningful way. Sherry first heard about GiGi’s Playhouse Canton through her sister, whose friend and daughter were involved with the Playhouse. When Sherry first came to GiGi’s, she was 5 months pregnant with her youngest child and…
Read MoreCelebrating the Worth of Every Individual: Down Syndrome Awareness Month & Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is both Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month – a special time to celebrate the unique strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome. At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we believe awareness is just the beginning. True inclusion happens when our community recognizes the value and…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Meet Hannah
Hannah has been part of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton since our doors first opened, and in that time, she has truly become a jack of all trades! From participating in our GiGi’s Kitchen classes to supporting her love of movement in our GiGiFIT and dance programs, Hannah has done it all – she’s even participated in…
Read MoreCelebrating Our Grand Prize Win at the Hall of Fame Parade!
We’re still beaming with pride from this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade! What an incredible morning filled with smiles, cheers, and community spirit. GiGi’s Playhouse Canton was honored to participate once again, but this time we had a float in the parade for the first year ever. Not only was it our first…
Read MoreTylee’s Communication Breakthrough
When Tylee’s family relocated to the area from out of state, they were still getting acquainted with local resources and navigating what supports were available. That’s when they discovered GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, and we have enjoyed getting to know their family over the past year. This summer, Tylee participated in our Amina Grace Speech and…
Read MoreA ‘Sign’ of Progress: Visibility, Community, and the Power of Acceptance
After two years of planning, persistence, and partnership, GiGi’s Playhouse Canton officially has signage at the end of our road – and it’s so much more than just a sign. Since opening our doors in April 2019, our Playhouse has operated without visible signage from the main road. Families often struggled to find us, volunteers…
Read MoreBest of All: Gabe’s Growth in Tutoring, Speech, and Feeding Therapy
At GiGi’s Playhouse Canton, we believe in celebrating every success, big and small, as part of our “Best of All” mindset. This week, we are thrilled to spotlight Gabe, whose incredible progress across multiple programs is inspiring everyone around him! Gabe has been participating in our one-on-one math tutoring program this summer and recently reunited…
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