June Spotlights

Join us in celebrating and learning more about the incredible individuals who contribute to making GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville such a special place!

Volunteer Spotlight: Danielle Carder

Danielle is a dedicated volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville who has been sharing her passion for yoga with the community for over eight years. Her long-standing commitment to the program speaks volumes about her heart for service and her belief in the mission of GiGi’s. Each session, Danielle brings a calming presence and a joyful spirit, helping participants find peace, strength, and confidence through movement and mindfulness.

One of Danielle’s greatest strengths is her ability to build meaningful relationships with the teens and adults who attend yoga. She takes the time to get to know each participant, learning their names, their goals, and what brings them joy. Her kindness and genuine interest in others shine through in every interaction, whether she’s guiding a group through poses or offering one-on-one encouragement. Danielle’s sessions are more than just exercise—they are spaces of connection, support, and empowerment.

Over the years, Danielle has become a beloved part of the GiGi’s Playhouse family. Her consistency and warmth have made a lasting impact on countless individuals and their families. Participants look forward to yoga not only because of the benefits of movement, but because they know Danielle will be there to welcome them with a smile and a kind word. Her commitment reminds us all of the power of showing up with love, week after week!

Participant Spotlight: Taylor Krieg

Taylor is one of GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville’s most longtime participants, and her presence brings joy and energy to everyone around her. Known for her fun-loving personality and signature camera-ready poses, Taylor has become a familiar face at the Playhouse. Whether she’s flashing a smile for a photo or dancing along to her favorite tunes, Taylor’s vibrant spirit shines through in everything she does.

Over the years, Taylor has taken part in a wide range of programs, making the most of all that GiGi’s has to offer. From the social connections she’s built in Fantastic Friends and Achievers to the strength and wellness she’s developed in Yoga and CrossFit, Taylor embraces each opportunity with enthusiasm and positivity. Her consistent participation and dedication set a wonderful example for new and returning participants alike.

Beyond programming, Taylor has also taken on a leadership role as a GiGi’s Ambassador, proudly representing the Playhouse at events like the annual Gala and Golf Tournament. She speaks from the heart, sharing her GiGi’s experience and helping others understand the impact of the Playhouse community. Taylor’s involvement over the years reflects her deep connection to GiGi’s—and we are so grateful for the joy, commitment, and style she brings to our mission.

Tutor Spotlight: Anne Shanahan

Anne is a new and valued literacy tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville. She began volunteering in January through our Adult Education & Career Development programs, where she quickly became known for her warm, personable nature and strong connections with participants. Her compassion and enthusiasm were evident from the start, and it wasn’t long before she felt called to deepen her involvement by becoming a literacy tutor.

This summer, Anne took on a new role by joining our one-on-one literacy tutoring program, where she now tutors a young child with Down syndrome. Her ability to engage with participants of all ages makes her an incredible asset to our tutoring team. Anne brings patience, creativity, and kindness to every session, creating a fun and encouraging learning environment that supports her student’s growth and confidence.

Anne’s dedication to GiGi’s mission and her eagerness to learn and support others embody the spirit of our volunteer community. Whether working with adults in our career readiness programs or guiding a young reader through early literacy milestones, Anne always brings positivity and purpose. We are so grateful for her heart and commitment, and we look forward to seeing the impact she continues to make across our programs.

Program Spotlight: Yoga

GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville’s Yoga program offers a welcoming and inclusive space for teens and adults with Down syndrome to explore movement, mindfulness, and self-awareness. Led by trained volunteers who understand the unique needs of our participants, Yoga sessions are adapted to be accessible for all ability levels. Classes include breathing exercises, stretching, gentle poses, and guided relaxation—all designed to promote physical wellness in a fun, supportive environment. Whether participants are beginners or returning yogis, they are always met with encouragement and joy.

The benefits of yoga for individuals with Down syndrome are both physical and emotional. Yoga improves balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength, helping participants develop greater control over their movements and posture. These improvements support functional independence and can translate to confidence in everyday tasks. Additionally, yoga promotes calmness and emotional regulation through breathing techniques and mindfulness, helping participants reduce anxiety, improve focus, and feel more at peace in their bodies.

Perhaps most importantly, our Yoga program fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. Participants celebrate progress and share moments of laughter and connection. At GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, Yoga is more than just exercise—it’s a chance for our teens and adults to build strength, resilience, and friendships in a space where they are valued and empowered.