Posts by Mary Makulinski
Best of All – Lucy!
We had the great joy of meeting Lucy when she was only a couple of months old. Lucy and her mom, Megan, entered the Playhouse and from that moment there was no turning back. Alongside her big brother, Tommy, you can find Lucy and her family attending so many programs. From LMNOP, Music and Movement,…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Beth!
This month, we celebrate our Volunteer of the Month, Beth! Beth saw the incredible impact GiGi’s Playhouse had on her son Phil and felt inspired to get involved. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland, Beth brings valuable expertise to our programs. She leads the Games with Friends Adult program,…
Read MoreCelebrating Our Friends with Down Syndrome: GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland’s 2024 Dash for Down Syndrome
What an unforgettable morning we had at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland’s 2024 Dash for Down Syndrome! It was a day filled with celebration, advocacy, and community, all dedicated to our incredible friends with Down syndrome. With the sun shining and perfect blue skies overhead, around 1,200 wonderful individuals gathered to make this event the largest across…
Read MoreBest of All – Jasiah!
Jasiah’s journey with GiGi’s Playhouse has been one of remarkable growth and achievement. Born during the height of Covid, his early years were marked by isolation from family, friends, and community. However, his developmental pediatrician introduced his family to GiGi’s Playhouse, where a warm and welcoming conversation with Lizz led them to a supportive community.…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Matt!
Since joining GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland in September 2023, Matt has been a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer, immersing himself in several programs with passion and commitment. From the moment he started, Matt hit the ground running, making meaningful connections with participants and always going above and beyond to lend a helping hand. His quiet leadership style…
Read MoreStep into Harmony: Introducing Our Latest Music and Movement Program
Last month, we wrapped up an incredible session of our first Music and Movement program at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. We can’t help but reflect on the joy, growth, and connections that have blossomed over the past six weeks. Led by our dynamic duo instructors — Mary, a music therapist, and Erin, a recreation therapist —…
Read MoreBest of All – Nikki
Nikki has been coming to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland for many years and we have loved watching her grow and blossom into an amazing young woman. If there’s a program at our Playhouse, it’s almost guaranteed that Nikki has participated. Whether she is diving into the sensory bin at Destination Discovery, tapping the drum during Music…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Nadia!
Nadia swiftly integrated into the heart of GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland as a dedicated volunteer. Immersing herself in our Games with Friends Adult and Fantastic Friends programs, she brought with her a compassionate spirit, eager to foster connections, offer assistance, and cultivate enduring relationships. Throughout her time at the Playhouse, she actively sought out additional volunteer…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Anya
Oftentimes, when our high school volunteers leave for college, we wish them the best of luck on their next chapter and let them know the Playhouse doors are always open. When Anya left to attend school at The Ohio State University, she didn’t let that door close. Instead, she opened the double doors to our…
Read MoreBest of All – Sylvia
When you walk into the Playhouse and observe Games with Friends or Project Pulse, you might think Sylvia is a volunteer. She effortlessly builds connections and converses with those around her. However, to your surprise, you will find out she is the caregiver for our friend Troy, whom she accompanies at each program he attends!…
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