Posts by jscheel

How Maneet Shah became the first neurodiverse athlete selected for the Real Madrid Foundation –Avanza Sports Madrid Experience It started with the FIFA World Cup 2022!  In December 2022, a 10-year-old boy from North Carolina (US) was traveling to India, and watched Lionel Messi lift the FIFA World Cup trophy for Argentina at Abu Dhabi International Airport while waiting for a flight connection. Something clicked.…

When people hear about our Guitar Group at GiGi’s Playhouse, they often ask a simple question: Why guitar? The answer is simple: because everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and enjoy music. To borrow a phrase from the Miracle League, whose slogan is “Because everyone deserves a chance to play baseball,” I believe everyone deserves…

At GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh, our mission has always been simple: bring purposeful, free programming and support to as many families as possible. While our physical playhouse is located in Raleigh, we know there are families all across North Carolina searching for programs, resources, and community connections like ours. That’s exactly why our Satellite Locations were created.  Currently, GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh is…

We’re so excited to be building our program GiGi’s Blooms here at the Playhouse. It’s a program that combines creativity, community, and heartfelt work with our Adults.  GiGi’s Blooms was spearheaded by our Executive Director, Dana Ramsey, to continue to expand the professional opportunities supported at GiGi’s for our participants. This creative endeavor gives the…

Have you heard of therapeutic horticulture? It may sound like a big or complicated term, but it is actually pretty simple. Therapeutic horticulture uses gardening and nature activities to help improve health, confidence, emotional well-being, and social connection. Best of all,it is for everyone. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we are excited to offer these benefits through…

Introducing your child to the water at a young age is one of the most valuable gifts you can give them. Swim lessons are not just about learning how to float or kick—they build confidence, promote safety, and support overall development. For children with Down syndrome, swim lessons can be even more impactful, offering unique…

At GiGi’s Playhouse, the mission has always been clear: change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all. But sometimes, the most powerful shifts don’t happen through big campaigns—they happen quietly, in everyday spaces. Places like a high school coffee shop.  At Cardinal Gibbons High School, that space is Holy…

On March 21st, we had the incredible honor of celebrating World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) together at the Playhouse—and it truly exceeded anything we could have imagined. From the moment families began arriving at 10:00 AM to our final goodbyes at 1:00 PM, the space was filled with laughter, joy, and meaningful connection. With a…

Since August 2025, we’ve had the joy of welcoming Alana to our team at GiGi’s Playhouse as a dedicated MSW intern. Currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at North Carolina State University, Alana has quickly become a trusted and valued presence among our staff, participants, and families. Her warmth, empathy, and steady encouragement have made a meaningful…