Congratulations, Joe and the Class of 2021!

Graduate with Down syndrome wearing a blue graduation cap and smiling

As the 2021-2022 school year starts, we want to take a moment to recognize our recent graduates and #inspire students to achieve their #BestOfAll this year. We are so proud of our friend Joe and other Class of 2021 graduates! Joe was able to benefit from GiGi’s At Home virtual literacy and math tutoring this…

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Volunteer Spotlight: Serena

Photo of a GiGi's Playhouse volunteer wearing a GiGi's Playhouse Canton shirt in front of decorative Canton sign

I am an intervention specialist from Canton and work at Golden Key School. I have an Axolotl named Axel and two kitties named Jack and Arwen. During my down time, I enjoy listening to audio books.  Some of my favorite things:  Sport: Hockey  Color: Yellow  Season: Fall  Vacation Spot: Disney with a buddy!  Drink: Coffee …

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Volunteer Spotlight: Melinda

My name is Melinda and I have always loved working with children with special needs. From volunteering as a high school student, to choosing a career as an occupational therapy assistant. As a COTA, I have worked for Stark County Board of DD as well as Stark and Summit County Educational Service Centers. I currently…

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Volunteer Spotlight: Kayla H.

Hi, I’m Kayla! I’m a preschool Intervention Specialist at T.C. Knapp Elementary in the Perry Local School District. I’m local to the Canton area, graduating from Jackson HS in 2007. I have my master’s degree in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Outside of teaching, I spend a lot of time serving…

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We Are Launching Leaps & Bounds!

We are so excited to announce that we are launching Leaps and Bounds! Join Miss Kayla and Miss Melinda on September 19th at 10:00 AM for our first session! This program will help promote social, emotional and gross motor development through a variety of activities, including interactive play, sharing, cooperative games and physical activity.  Creativity…

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Spotlighting Stacy Jackson, our Vice President & Secretary

Stacy Jackson and her husband, Rick, were married in 2005 and have seven children, 6 boys and their youngest, a girl, who was born in July 2016 with Down syndrome. Their daughter, Maleah, has changed their perspective on life in so many ways that they are 100% on board with the concept of celebrating that extra chromosome. Stacy…

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Synchrony Finance Tour with Jody & PDN

We’re closing out Volunteer Appreciation Mmonth by spotlighting our volunteer, Jody. Back in February, Jody brought the Synchrony Finance, Senior Vice President and other members of the Canton PDN with her for a tour of the Playhouse. They decided to hold a book drive for us leading up to tour. We were absolutely thrilled that…

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One-on-One Program Coordinator – Volunteer Spotlight

I’m Genny or as some like to call me DJ Genny B. I’m the one on one program coordinator and the sole member of the IT team. I am also a board member and on the outreach committee. I am a third grade teacher at The Golden Key School for Exceptional Children. While I don’t…

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Volunteer Spotlight – Derick Schwedt!

Last night, we were supposed to be at the Playhouse for Friends, Fun & Fitness with Mr. Derick. Although we could not be together, we are so grateful for Derick and the time he gives at GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. See what he says about his experience as a volunteer: “For starters, my name is Derick…

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Coronavirus & Flu Safety

Dear GiGi’s Families, Volunteers and Friends:​​​​​​ It is important that we do our part to keep our GiGi’s Families, Friends, and Volunteers as healthy as possible as we face the flu season and COVID-19 also know as the coronavirus. While the risk of getting COVID-19 in the United States remains low, the spread of the…

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