Shining Bright: October Spotlights

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

From baby giggles to big smiles, Vera Laurence is growing up right here at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, and she’s been spreading joy every step of the way!  

Vera has been part of the GiGi’s family since she was a baby, starting out in our beloved LMNOP (Language, Music, N’ Our Peeps) program. Week after week, she’s brought her bright energy, curiosity, and signature smile to every session. Over the years, she’s also joined Destination Discovery, where she loves learning new things and having fun with her friends. 

This summer, Vera took on a new adventure — her first Tutoring sessions!  She dove right in with excitement and enthusiasm, ready to learn and grow. Her dedication and joy remind us what GiGi’s is all about: celebrating strengths, building confidence, and having fun along the way. 

Vera is an absolute sweetheart with a heart as big as her smile. She brings warmth and happiness to everyone she meets, and we love watching her continue to shine.  

At GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, we love it when learning, creativity, and community come together, and that’s exactly what happens every time Julie Reynolds walks through our doors! 

Julie serves as an Assistant Professor of Music Education at Belmont University’s School of Music, where she is shaping the next generation of inspiring educators. In the Spring of 2025, Julie brought her students to GiGi’s for the first time to lead our Destination Discovery: Sound Adventures program, and the results were nothing short of magical!  

Through Sound Adventures, Julie and her students fill our Playhouse with rhythm, melody, and laughter. Each session invites participants to explore the world of music through singing, movement, and hands-on instrument play. More than just music lessons, these experiences help our participants build confidence, communication skills, and connections while having an absolute blast!  

Julie’s leadership and heart for inclusion shine through in every interaction. She creates an environment where her college students learn what it truly means to teach with empathy, adaptability, and joy. Her guidance helps them become not only exceptional educators but also compassionate community leaders. 

The feedback from families, participants, and volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive! Everyone raves about the energy, creativity, and fun this partnership brings to GiGi’s!  

We’re so grateful to Julie Reynolds and her Belmont University students for helping our community experience the joy of music in new and meaningful ways. Thank you for turning Sound Adventures into something truly special — we can’t wait to make more music together! 

At GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, we’re lucky to have volunteers who bring heart, patience, and positivity to every program, and Caroline Taylor is a perfect example of that!  

Caroline first joined us over the summer, jumping right in to help with our Dance SHiNE and Yoga programs. Her enthusiasm and kindness made an immediate impact — participants, families, and fellow volunteers all noticed her natural ability to make everyone feel comfortable and included. 

This semester, Caroline took on a new challenge as a Literacy Tutor.  With her calm and encouraging presence, she has built a strong connection with her student, helping her grow in both skill and confidence. Caroline’s sessions are filled with focus, fun, and smiles — the perfect mix for learning success! 

And fun fact — Caroline is also Blair Bender’s older sister! We love seeing siblings share their passion for inclusion and community through GiGi’s programs.

Thank you, Caroline, for bringing your warmth, dedication, and positive spirit to the Playhouse. You make a difference every single day!