Shining Bright: September Spotlights

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

Alex Murphy 

If you have been to GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, chances are you have met Alex, and you probably left with a smile on your face! Alex has been a longtime participant at the Playhouse, and he brings energy, kindness, and laughter everywhere he goes. 

You can find Alex in Fantastic Friends, CrossFit, and GiGi U, where he is always ready to jump in, encourage his peers, and share his amazing sense of humor. He is quite a jokester and has a talent for making everyone feel welcome. 

One of Alex’s favorite things? Karaoke! Whether he is belting out a tune or cheering on his friends, he brightens up the room and makes every session a celebration. 

But beyond the jokes and the music, Alex is known for his big heart. He is often the first to lend a hand to a friend or staff member, and his generosity and positivity make him a role model in our community.  Alex reminds us every day what it means to live life with love and confidence. 

CrossFit 

One of the most beloved programs at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville is CrossFit, and it is easy to see why! Each week, our participants come ready to sweat, move, and push themselves to new levels of strength and confidence. 

In CrossFit, workouts are tailored to each person’s ability but always focus on building endurance, balance, flexibility, and teamwork. From squats and push presses to box jumps, planks, and sprints, our athletes love the challenge, and they always cheer each other on every step of the way. The best part? Every workout ends with high-fives, smiles, and plenty of laughter! 

Our team spirit shines brightest at Row for a Reason, where participants come together as one powerful unit to row, compete, and celebrate everything they have worked so hard to achieve. This year, the impact stretched even further, as Row for a Reason was held at gyms in two states -Tennessee and Nebraska – bringing even more people together through fitness, fun, and inclusion. 

CrossFit is more than a workout here; it is a family, a confidence builder, and a reminder that we are stronger together. 

Kaitlyn Russell 

When you think of energy, encouragement, and dedication at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, you cannot help but think of Kaitlyn! She has been a longtime volunteer in our CrossFit program, and her passion for fitness and inclusion shines through every week. 

Our participants absolutely love Kaitlyn! Not just for the workouts she leads, but for the way she makes everyone feel strong, capable, and celebrated. Her laughter and positivity set the tone, and she is always cheering the loudest for every accomplishment, big or small. 

Kaitlyn is also the driving force behind one of our most loved events of the year, Row for a Reason. Thanks to her leadership, hard work, and heart, this year’s event was bigger than ever!   

She has given countless hours to GiGi’s. She pushes us to be our best and reminds us that fitness is about more than movement, it is about connection, confidence, and fun. 

Libby Murphy 

We are so excited to celebrate one of our newest (and youngest!) tutors, Libby! At just 17, she jumped right in this semester and is already making a big difference at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville. 

Libby bravely stepped up to work with not one but two younger literacy students, helping them grow in reading confidence and skills. Her energy, patience, and creativity bring so much joy to every session. It is not easy being a brand-new tutor, but Libby has shown that heart and dedication are what matter most. 

GiGi’s is especially close to Libby’s heart because her big brother, Alex, is a longtime participant at our Playhouse. We love the way their family gives so much to our community! Alex lights up our programs, and now Libby is carrying on that same spirit through tutoring.