Posts by Mary Makulinski

Confidence, joy, and wit. If you’ve spent even a few minutes with Hunter, you know he brings all of that and more into every room he enters. This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Hunter as our Best of All – Participant of the Month, and we truly couldn’t imagine a more fitting honoree. Hunter’s…

Some volunteers show up. Others show up and change the room the moment they walk in. Evan and Jake do exactly that. From their very first day at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, these two have brought energy, compassion, and genuine friendship to our GiGiFIT Kids program, and we are beyond proud to honor them as our…

True inclusion is . . . True inclusion is alive in every moment we act with love, listen with heart, and intentionally connect with each person’s humanity.

This month, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Cindy, a volunteer whose heart and energy have made a lasting impact at GiGi’s Playhouse. After stepping back from a 30+ year career in executive recruiting, Cindy hit the ground running in March 2025, bringing her passion for giving back and her kind, approachable personality…

Every month at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, we celebrate someone who embodies what it means to be their Best of All — and this month, that person is Meghan! Whether she’s skating across the ice, greeting fans at the Cleveland Browns stadium, or dazzling friends with her confidence and humor, Meghan lives life with joy, determination,…

October is Down Syndrome ACCEPTANCE Month – an entire month dedicated to shouting our friends’ and children’s worth from the rooftops! You might be wondering why we say ACCEPTANCE versus awareness. Saying “acceptance” versus “awareness” shifts the focus from simply knowing that individuals with Down syndrome exist, to actively embracing and including them. Awareness is…

Ella’s intentionality and passion for acceptance and inclusion took root several years ago when she launched her own podcast, using her voice to highlight stories that matter. In October 2021, she reached out to interview our dear friend Amy Jo – a connection that started small but has since grown into such a meaningful relationship…

If you bop into the Playhouse during a teen program, chances are you’ll spot Vivi right in the middle of the action – laughing, moving, and making every moment count. Vivi is a familiar face here at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, participating in Project Pulse, GiGiFIT, Teen Tastic, Games with Friends, and Speech. Vivi is truly…

As the new school year approaches, excitement and anticipation fill the air. For parents of children with Down syndrome, the back-to-school season may come with a unique set of emotions and considerations. While it’s a time of fresh starts and new opportunities, it can also bring new situations that require careful planning and support. To…