March 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: Sydney Barnes

Sydney has been an invaluable part of GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville since she began volunteering in 2018. Over the years, she has generously given her time and talents to nearly every program offered at the Playhouse, forming connections with participants of all ages and abilities. Whether assisting with Teen Tastic, helping adults in GiGi’s Achievers, or supporting social groups like Fantastic Friends, Sydney’s warm personality and commitment to inclusion have left a lasting impact on the GiGi’s community. Her versatility and willingness to step in wherever needed have made her a beloved and dependable volunteer.

Currently, Sydney serves as the Program Leader for GiGi’s Kitchen Teen, where she guides a group of teens with Down syndrome in building important cooking, nutrition, and life skills. Her leadership in the kitchen goes beyond teaching recipes — she encourages independence, fosters teamwork, and helps participants gain confidence – in the kitchen and in life. With patience, creativity, and a knack for making learning fun, Sydney ensures that GiGi’s Kitchen is a space where everyone feels empowered and capable.

Sydney’s dedication to GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville reflects her deep belief in the power of community and inclusion. Her consistent presence, compassionate spirit, and desire to see participants thrive have made her a role model for fellow volunteers and a trusted mentor to participants and their families. Whether she’s leading a program or offering a helping hand, Sydney embodies the heart of GiGi’s Playhouse — showing up with kindness, enthusiasm, and a commitment to making the world a more accepting place for individuals with Down syndrome.

Participant Spotlight: Emmaline Whitson

Emmaline is a teen participant at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, where she has been attending programs since 2016. Over the years, she has grown into a confident, compassionate, and capable young woman, embracing every opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive. Whether she’s trying something new or encouraging her peers, Emmaline leads with kindness and joy, leaving an impact that radiates in our community.

Currently, Emmaline’s favorite program is GiGi’s Kitchen Teen, where she shines in the kitchen each week. With excitement and determination, she jumps right into each cooking activity — from chopping vegetables to mixing ingredients and learning new recipes alongside her friends. Emmaline not only learns valuable culinary skills that will support her independence but also builds confidence in herself. Her enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring her peers to step outside their comfort zones, try new foods, and celebrate each success together.

Emmaline’s journey at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville is a beautiful testament to the power of inclusion, opportunity, and community. As she continues to grow, she reminds us all that with the right support and a nurturing environment, every individual can achieve greatness. Emmaline’s love for learning, her kindness toward others, and her spirit serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration — showing the world that individuals with Down syndrome have so much to contribute, and so much to celebrate!

Tutor Spotlight: Chapel Holliday

Chapel brings warmth, creativity, and patience to every tutoring session as she works one-on-one with her school-age student at GiGi’s Playhouse. With a gentle and encouraging spirit, she transforms math into something accessible and exciting, helping her student build confidence with each new skill. Whether they’re practicing counting, solving word problems, or exploring patterns, Chapel finds ways to make learning feel fun and empowering. Through her thoughtful guidance, her student isn’t just learning math—they’re discovering their own capabilities and the joy that comes from accomplishing something new.

What makes Chapel’s tutoring so impactful is her ability to connect with her student on a personal level. She understands that every child learns differently, and she embraces that individuality with creativity and flexibility. Chapel’s sessions are filled with praise, laughter, and moments of discovery, creating an atmosphere where her student feels safe to take risks and ask questions. By fostering trust and celebrating progress, Chapel helps her student see that they are capable of so much!

Chapel’s dedication as a math tutor reflects her deep belief in the potential of every individual with Down syndrome. Her work goes beyond teaching numbers and equations—it’s about building confidence, fostering independence, and celebrating every unique strength her student brings to the table. With each smile, high-five, and proud moment they share, Chapel shows her student that they are seen, valued, and capable of achieving great things. Through her kindness, patience, and unwavering belief in her student’s abilities, Chapel is helping to lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and self-confidence.

Program Spotlight: GiGi’s Kitchen Teen

In GiGi’s Kitchen Teen, our teens are cooking up more than just tasty recipes — they’re building confidence, independence, and lifelong skills. Each session is designed to help teens with Down syndrome develop important abilities like following multi-step directions, practicing kitchen safety, and working as a team. Whether they’re chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, or setting the table, every task helps foster independence in a fun and supportive environment.

Cooking together also creates an incredible sense of community. Participants bond over new recipes, encourage each other’s progress, and celebrate every completed dish – yum! The kitchen becomes a place where friendships flourish, teamwork shines, and confidence grows with each meal. These moments are about so much more than just cooking — they’re about empowering teens to believe in their abilities and take pride in their accomplishments.

The skills learned in GiGi’s Kitchen Teen extend far beyond the kitchen. Participants gain valuable life skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management — all essential for greater independence at home and in the community. At GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, we believe that every teen has the potential to thrive, and GiGi’s Kitchen Teen helps them take those important steps toward a bright and independent future.