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Best of All – Cooper
Every participant has a story, and Cooper’s is one of confidence, connection, and discovering the power of his own voice. Whether he’s drumming along to the beat or singing his favorite song, “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, Cooper brings joy, humor, and heart everywhere he goes. His journey reminds us that growth doesn’t happen all at…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – Scott!
You may recognize Scott from his social media, @staybeautifulamerica, where he highlights local restaurants and businesses across Northeast Ohio. If you met him in person, though, you might never guess he’s built a large online presence doing so because at the Playhouse, Scott shows up as something even more amazing. He shows up as a…
Read MoreThe Best Day Ever: 2026 Dash for Down Syndrome
After the 2025 Dash when the rain poured and poured and poured, this year’s Dash for Down Syndrome felt like something entirely different. Don’t get us wrong, the rain brought an element of fun, whimsy, and unforgettable memories to last year’s event that will always hold a special place in our hearts. There was something…
Read MorePresume Competence: The Simple Belief That Changes Everything
Presume competence. It’s a phrase you might have heard, but what does it actually mean? This phrase is believing that a person is capable, intelligent, understanding, and worthy of respect, even if they communicate, learn, move, or process information differently than others. It means choosing to believe in someone’s potential before they have to prove…
Read MoreBest of All – Michael
Each month, we celebrate a participant who embodies the heart of GiGi’s Playhouse, and this month our Best of All is Michael. To highlight his incredible growth, we invited his speech-language pathologist, Mrs. Amanda Simon, to share a glimpse into his journey. Through her eyes, we see just how far Michael has come and the…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month – 10 YEARS OF AMANDA!
There are some people who walk into a room and immediately change the way it feels. For so many families at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, that person is Amanda Simon. This month, as we celebrate ten incredible years of Amanda leading our LMNOP program, we find ourselves reflecting not just one single time, but on the…
Read MoreVolunteers of the Month – Mary & Alyssa
Somewhere between laughter echoing across the Playhouse and the quiet, proud moments of witnessing a participant accomplish something new, you’ll often find Mary and Alyssa – side by side, moving in rhythm like they’ve been doing this forever. There’s something special about the way they show up: steady, joyful, and completely present. Not just as…
Read MoreBest Of All – Lucy!
Lucy is pure joy in motion. A burst of music, laughter, and light wherever she goes. Whether she’s stepping foot in the gym for GiGiFIT, giving 110% in Speech Therapy with Ms. Amanda, or gearing up to make all the music during Music Makers, it’s clear Lucy gives her Best Of All in all she…
Read MoreTrue Inclusion
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.
Read MoreTen Years In: A Love Letter to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland
Written by Lizz Maxwell Ten years ago, I said yes to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. I didn’t know then how deeply that yes would shape my life — my faith, my leadership, my understanding of community, and my sense of purpose. What I did know was that this place mattered. And ten years later, as GiGi’s…
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