Chelsea Finds Her Voice
Chelsea’s Best of All moment is one that speaks volumes—literally and figuratively. At 35 years old, Chelsea is navigating life following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and over the past month, she has made incredible strides in her ability to communicate using an eye-gazing device. Each intentional glance is more...
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...
Meet Our Spring Interns!
This spring, GiGi's Playhouse Canton is excited to welcome three interns whose shared passion for pediatric care, occupational therapy, and inclusive community support will enrich programs across the Playhouse. Though each is at a different stage in their professional journey, Maria, Tori, and Jaeden are united by a commitment to...
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,...
Celebrating Maylee’s Creativity
Maylee has been part of the GiGi's Playhouse Canton family on and off for several years, first attending programs shortly after opening, and one thing has always remained constant - her love for our Teen programming. Whether she's jumping into fitness, learning new skills in the kitchen, or trying something...
Join Us to Send Cameron Off Into Her Next Chapter!
Hello families & volunteers, I wanted to take the time to share transitions that will be taking place next month in the Playhouse. I would like you all to know I will be starting a different chapter this New Year; I have recently been offered & accepted a position in...
Best of All: Here Comes Hunter!
This month, we are proud to recognize Hunter from our GiGiFIT Infant program. Hunter has demonstrated remarkable growth throughout this session, showing increased strength, endurance, and confidence in his gross motor skills. He has become an incredibly active and motivated mover. His crawling has progressed to the point where he...
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...
Reflecting 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...
Overcoming 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...
Volunteer 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...
Celebrating 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...