Love Our Team – Paige Kelly & Shannon Herra
If you’ve participated in our GiGiFIT program, you’ve most likely met Paige and Shannon. They are the amazing GiGiFIT Program Leaders. They are often assisted by Physical Therapy students from St Ambrose.
Paige Kelly is a Physical Therapist for Genesis Outpatient Pediatric Therapy (GO Peds) and as a sibling of an adult participant she has been part of the Playhouse since the very beginning. Her parents were instrumental in the opening of our Playhouse.
When asked why she is involved and impact that GiGi’s has made, she has this to say:
“GiGi’s has led my family (and myself) to meet so many amazing people & families! We have built lifelong friendships! My why is my sister, Korryn! She is a proud adult participant! Being a sibling of an individual with Down syndrome, I know how important and impactful these programs are to not only the participants, but to the families as well. Being able to give back as a program leader is truly a blessing!”
Her words of advice are to attend the annual run/walk where you will get to see so many of the participants and families who benefit from our programs! It’s an amazing event and so fun to be a part of!
When asked if she would encourage others to get involved she said: “ABSOLUTELY! Volunteering has never been more fun!”
Paige shared the following as her fun facts:
“I have two beautiful daughters- Brooklynn (almost 2), and our newest addition, Addisyn who was born on January 3rd of this year!”
We LOVE that her daughters will grow up to be part of GiGi’s just like she did! Thank you, Paige!
Shannon Herra is also a Physical Therapist for Genesis Outpatient Pediatric Therapy Center (GO Peds).
Shannon heard about GiGi’s from a friend and she became a volunteer in 2021.
Shannon said she would 100% recommend other get involved with GiGi’s. She added that “GiGi’s is a great resource to so many families! I love that there truly is a program for everyone to get involved with, and so many supportive families! Everyone is so friendly and there are so many ways to get involved! It’s easy to volunteer in a role that you’re passionate about, while surrounded by other volunteers with similar passions!”
Three fun facts about Shannon:
“I love a good cup of coffee, reading a book, and trying new fitness classes!”
Shannon added “Thank you for letting me be a part of GiGi’s Playhouse. I have met so many amazing families that keep me involved!”
We are forever grateful for these two as they make the GiGiFIT program possible. If you have not heard about GiGiFIT or you want to learn more, please visit our the link below. GiGiFIT is held several times a year and new participants and volunteers are welcome each session.
https://gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities/gigifit
If you’re a Physical Therapist and you would like to know more about helping these ladies lead, please contact the Playhouse 309-762-7529 or programsquadcities@gigisplayhouse.org.
