The Baldi Family

I sat down with Sam and Maria Baldi at GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte last week to discuss all things GiGi’s Playhouse and Down syndrome. Sam and Maria are the proud parents of Isabella (11) and Sophie (9). Sophie just happens to be the lucky recipient of an extra chromosome.

The Baldi family will forever hold a special place in my heart because their daughter, Sophie, forever changed my life but we will get to that later.

Reflections on the Down Syndrome Journey

Before receiving Sophie’s prenatal diagnosis, Maria had little exposure to Down syndrome. Sam, however, had grown up with a classmate with Down syndrome and worked as a paraeducator in a Special Education classroom during college. His experiences gave him a deep understanding of the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. Thanks to this background, along with the positive reactions and support from Maria’s obstetrician, Sophie’s diagnosis felt less shocking to them.

From the moment they learned of Sophie’s diagnosis, Sam and Maria became her biggest advocates, championing her worth even before she was born. When they shared their baby announcement with me, it was a reflection of their hope and determination:

“We are excited to announce that we’re expecting another little princess in early 2015! October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which we hadn’t paid much attention to until now.

Through genetic testing, we’ve learned that our baby girl has Down syndrome. While this diagnosis may bring potential medical complications, so far, she seems to be doing well, with no major concerns noted in her ultrasounds. We’ve been reading everything we can and reaching out for support and resources. We are so hopeful for her future and look forward to her arrival. We want her birth to be celebrated with joy. She is loved, wanted, and cherished by us, her sister, and her grandparents. We hope our family and friends will join us in welcoming her when she arrives!”

From the start, Maria went into full research mode, gathering every resource, joining support groups, and doing everything possible to ensure the best life for Sophie. When Sophie was born, healthy and happy, she immediately began changing the world around her.

Maria, Sam, and Sophie’s older sister, Isabella, work tirelessly to ensure that everyone is seen, valued, included, and celebrated.

Why GiGi’s Playhouse?

GiGi’s Playhouse is a truly inspiring place, offering individuals with Down syndrome a space to play, interact, develop skills and pursue their dreams in a safe, supportive community.

Sophie has brought endless joy to our family. From her sparkling smile and quirky personality to her sense of humor and determination, Sophie has changed our lives forever. She and her sister, just two years apart, are inseparable—playing dress-up, having tea parties, and sharing giggles. They love each other beyond measure!

Sophie’s diagnosis doesn’t define her, but it does impact many aspects of her life. She participates in physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address developmental delays. Now in the fourth grade, Sophie loves school and adores her teachers and friends.

Despite a strong community of families with children with Down syndrome, we struggled to coordinate playdates after Sophie was born. GiGi’s Playhouse became the perfect place to connect with other families, making a world of difference in our journey.

How Sophie Changed My Life

The Baldi family holds a special place in my heart. As a general education teacher with a passion for inclusion, I’ve always been committed to creating classrooms that welcome every child. In August 2022, I was lucky enough to have Sophie in my 2nd-grade class, and she quickly became one of my favorite humans on the planet. Sophie is the perfect mix of sweet and sassy-intuitive, compassionate and hilarious.

One day, early in the school year, I was silently struggling with anxiety. Surrounded by students and staff, I managed to mask my stress, but Sophie saw right through it.

She came up to me in the crowded cafeteria, sat beside me, gently petted my arm, and quietly repeated, “You’re okay, Smith, you’re okay,” until I truly felt okay. That moment created an unforgettable bond between us.

Watching Sophie interact with her peers was an absolute gift. Her classmates would often say it was impossible to stay upset when Sophie was around. Every child wanted to spend time with her, feeling seen and celebrated by her warmth and kindness. In IEP meetings, I shared how much Sophie had impacted her classmates, teaching them to celebrate their differences and face challenges with resilience—just as she did every day.

When the school year ended, I chose to move up to the next grade with my students, giving me another year with Sophie. I was blessed to watch her continue to grow, mature, and bring students together. Those two years with Sophie were a perfect conclusion to my time in the education field.

After I announced I wouldn’t be returning to education in 2024, the Baldi’s reached out immediately. They knew of a job opening at GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte and passed along my information. The timing was perfect. Now, I get to walk through the doors of GiGi’s every day and see Sophie’s picture as I begin my work. Her parents often tell me I changed Sophie’s life, but I assure you—Sophie changed mine.