Shining Bright: November Spotlights

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

Maddox is not just a participant at GiGi’s Playhouse—he’s also one of our most inspiring volunteers! This year, Maddox took the initiative to reach out and volunteer with our Music Makers program, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

A talented musician himself, Maddox writes and records his own songs, bringing his creativity and passion for music to every session. He’s beloved by the Music Makers participants, who light up whenever he’s around. Maddox’s energy, fun spirit, and engaging personality make every music session a joyful experience for everyone involved.

We are so grateful for Maddox’s dedication, talent, and heart. Volunteers like him make GiGi’s Playhouse a place where everyone can shine, create, and celebrate their abilities. Thank you, Maddox, for sharing your love of music with our community!

If you’ve ever stopped by GiGi’s Playhouse on a Thursday afternoon, you’ve probably heard laughter, singing, and the sweet sound of instruments coming from our Music Makers Kids program!

This joyful program is led by Belmont University Music Therapy students and their wonderful faculty mentor. Week after week, they bring creativity, enthusiasm, and heart to every session — using the power of music to connect, inspire, and empower our participants.

Music Makers has been a beloved favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why! Through songs, rhythm games, and movement, our participants build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression — all while having an absolute blast.

We’re so grateful for our ongoing partnership with Belmont’s Music Therapy Department and the positive energy their students bring to GiGi’s Playhouse. Together, they help our participants shine — one note at a time!

Sydney Hicks joined GiGi’s Playhouse programs last summer, and since then, she’s become a bright and beloved presence in our community. She loves attending Music Makers and Amina Grace Speech, always bringing her energy, enthusiasm, and big smiles to every session.

This fall, Sydney’s family also became a host family, further showing their commitment to GiGi’s Playhouse and our mission. Sydney herself is a super kind friend to all—fun, energetic, and full of joy. She has a way of making everyone feel welcome, and it’s no wonder that everyone loves being around her!

We are so grateful for Sydney and her family for sharing their time, smiles, and hearts with GiGi’s Playhouse. Her positivity and kindness truly make our programs shine.

We’re thrilled to shine this month’s spotlight on Gabby Kline, Chloe Hreha, Gabriella Giudice, Grace O’Reilly — four incredible students from Belmont University’s Math and Education Department!

This talented group joined us through our new collaboration with Belmont and has been an amazing addition to our 1:1 Math Tutoring Program. They’ve brought fresh perspectives, creative ideas, and tons of energy each week. Their sessions are filled with engaging, interactive lessons—complete with fun and colorful Smart Board slides that make learning exciting and hands-on!

Our participants absolutely love working with them, and it’s easy to see why. Their enthusiasm, patience, and passion for teaching shine through in everything they do. We are so grateful for the impact they’ve already made and can’t wait to continue this partnership for semesters to come!