Posts by Mary Makulinski
Volunteer 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!…
Read MoreFinding Certainty Within the Chaos
Written by Kathleen Ferdico Mural The perils of parenting any child are daunting, but when you add the layer of an unexpected diagnosis the chaos can feel exponential. I remember the weight of feeling like I survived a year of Down syndrome when my son Johnny turned one. The next year that sentiment was replaced…
Read MoreBest of All – Ana!
Ana walks into the Playhouse humming a Taylor Swift song and efficiently signs herself and her dad in on the iPad. Ana always has a twinkle in her eye and at the drop of a hat we know if given a microphone, she’d be on our stage singing her heart out. However, taking into account…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Cameron!
Every Thursday Cam energetically enters the Playhouse. Always eager to help clean, greet new community members, and create relationships with everyone in the Playhouse. What we love about Cam is his keen memory and how he truly cares to get to know his friends. If you share facts about yourself, whether that be information about…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Emily!
Emily is rounding out her THIRD year volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland! Since starting in 2021, Emily has been an integral part of the success of Project Pulse. She volunteers weekly for the teen program and has grown as a volunteer and individual. Emily shares that she considers herself a shy person, but from the…
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