Shining Bright: December Spotlights

Join us in celebrating and learning more about the incredible people and programs that make GiGi’s Nashville such a special place!

We’re thrilled to shine this month’s participant spotlight on Ainsley, a joyful and energetic member of our Kitchen Adult program! Ainsley brings so much heart to every session—her smile lights up the room, her laughter keeps everyone going, and her enthusiasm makes even the trickiest recipes feel like an adventure.

Ainsley loves spending time with her friends in the kitchen, trying new dishes, learning new skills, and adding her own creative flair along the way. Whether she’s stirring, chopping, or taste-testing, she’s always building connections and making the Playhouse feel a little warmer and a lot more fun.

And here’s a fun fact that makes her shine even brighter…
👑 Ainsley was voted Homecoming Queen at her high school this year! Her confidence, kindness, and leadership clearly make an impact everywhere she goes.

We are so lucky to have Ainsley as part of our Playhouse family—she inspires us, uplifts us, and reminds us just how special our community can be when we celebrate one another. 💛🍳✨

There’s nothing quite like a night out cooking with friends—and that’s exactly what GiGi’s Kitchen Adult delivers every week! This program is all about building confidence, independence, and connection through the joy of food.

Participants roll up their sleeves and jump into a mix of hands-on activities that strengthen everyday life skills:
🥕 Chopping, mixing, and measuring
🔥 Safe cooking and kitchen awareness
📝 Following recipes step-by-step
🗣️ Communication, teamwork, and social skills
🍽️ Healthy eating habits and menu planning

But the best part? The camaraderie.
Every session is filled with laughter, shared discoveries, and the kind of encouragement that makes the kitchen feel like home. New recipes become shared victories, friends become family, and each week ends with a delicious meal everyone created together.

GiGi’s Kitchen Adult isn’t just about cooking—it’s about confidence, connection, community, and the pure fun of creating something tasty side-by-side with friends. Bon appétit! 

This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Erin McGrath, a volunteer whose spirit, dedication, and heart have made a huge impact in such a short time. Erin joined us this fall and immediately jumped into our Fantastic Friends program and GiGi’s Kitchen Teen, bringing energy, kindness, and her signature spark to every session.

Most recently, Erin went above and beyond by stepping in to lead our GiGi’s Kitchen Adult program when we unexpectedly needed support. Without hesitation, she rolled up her sleeves, embraced the challenge, and created an environment where participants felt supported, empowered, and excited to learn.

Erin is always ready to lend a helping hand—whether she’s guiding a recipe, cheering on a participant, or adding a little extra fun to the room. Her connection with participants is genuine and heartfelt, and it’s easy to see why she is so loved. She brings positivity, patience, and joy to every moment she spends at the Playhouse.

We are incredibly grateful for Erin’s leadership, her flexibility, and the warmth she brings to our community. Thank you, Erin, for shining so brightly and for being such an amazing part of our GiGi’s Playhouse family! 

This month’s tutor spotlight is Esti Smith, a passionate and dedicated tutor who joined our Literacy program this fall. Esti, a student at Vanderbilt University, brings incredible energy, patience, and creativity to every session—her mission is clear: to help children with Down syndrome unlock the joy of reading. 📚

Esti’s commitment is truly inspiring. She doesn’t give up when a concept is tricky or when her student faces challenges. Instead, she searches for multiple ways to connect, adapt, and make learning accessible and engaging. Whether she’s crafting fun activities, celebrating small wins, or discovering a new strategy to spark understanding, Esti is always focused on helping her student succeed.

Beyond her impressive teaching skills, Esti brings warmth, encouragement, and positivity to the Literacy program. Her dedication not only helps her student grow academically, but it also builds confidence, independence, and a love of learning that lasts far beyond each session.

We are so grateful for Esti’s time, heart, and passion—she embodies the spirit of GiGi’s Playhouse and reminds us all of the incredible difference one committed volunteer can make.