Our Thriving Volunteers ✨

From Left to Right meet:
* LMNOP: Hylan * Crawlers & Walkers: Amy * Destination Discovery: Liza

It has been an unprecedented and eventful year, so many things happened around the world. But during the month April we paused and celebrated our awesome and fearless GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego Volunteers!

They are the heart an engine that makes GiGi’s San Diego go around!

If you know them or if you see them next time at the Playhouse, please THANK them, for all their support!

Here is a little bit about them:

Jeri Gurley
Literacy Coordinator Volunteer
Former special education and regular education teacher
Parent of a 29 year old son, with Down syndrome

“I heard about Gigi’s Playhouse on the news when they had the Donut Run in 2018. I started volunteering for Gigi’s that Fall. First, I started assisting in several programs and events. I then started substituting for programs. I became the leader of the Playhouse Pals and later Kids Club both are programs for school age participants. In the summer of 2019 I ran the summer camp. It was for all ages and so much fun. I heard they were looking for a Literacy Program Coordinator. I decided to use my expertise as a former special education and regular education teacher to help develop the Literacy Program which started summer 2019. I was honored to help start a much-wanted program. I coordinated as well as tutored in our program and have been doing it ever since then.
The program changed in 2020 as we know and became all virtual. I miss all the smiling faces coming in the playhouse weekly for our tutoring as well as seeing all the learning happening everywhere. I have a GREAT team of tutors and we managed to learn a new way of tutoring. This was difficult for all, as anyone who spends a lot of time on virtual learning or working knows what I mean. Our participants have been troopers doing their BEST OF ALL, learning. And, if it were not for our GREAT PARENTS we would not be able to do this. It has been a great learning experience. THANK YOU ALL!!”

Karyn Searcy
M.A. CCC-SLP Clinical Supervisor, SDSU
Amina Grace Speech and Language Coordinator

Karyn started with GiGi’s San Diego on April 2020. “After the pandemic closed our clinic permanently on March 31, 2020, I spoke to parents I know affiliated with Gigi’s. I had been meeting with admin people from there for about a year before to determine how we could offer a program. I volunteered alone from April through mid-May, at which time I could bring my summer semester students from SDSU there. I have worked with many families connected there for years and loved the programs. When the pandemic hit, it seemed to be one of the first places to create immediate program options for families needing coaching”.

Marisol & Bianca Castro (Sisters)
Fantastic Friends Program Leads

Marisol Castro started volunteering at GiGi’s San Diego in 2018 and Bianca Castro started in 2020.

“I wanted to start volunteering at GiGi’s because I have a sister that has special needs and she is the light in my soul! When I was in college and away from her, I really felt a piece of me missing. Once I started volunteering at GiGi’s I felt immediately welcomed and so happy! The kindness received was overwhelming and I couldn’t imagine my life without all my amazing new friends!
(During pandemic) I definitely miss being able to see everyone in person and give hugs to all, but we were able to still have a really fun time! We still do karaoke and have a blast doing it and we had to come up with some creative activities, but at the end of the day, I’m just happy that everyone is happy and still in great spirits!”

Lisa F.
Literacy Tutor Volunteer

Lisa is Sean’s tutor. She’s been tutoring Sean for two sessions now and his parents are thrilled with Lisa.
“Thank you so much for the spring session again! I do think that it has wonderfully contributed to improving Sean’s reading and comprehension skills plus interpersonal engagement. Lisa and Sean have developed a beautiful bond and their session is so smooth and efficient, it is really amazing to witness.
The spring session flew by a way too fast! We all are truly looking forward to the summer session.
Thank you so much again! With lots of gratitude,
Kyung, Jon and Sean”

Last but not least😊, more amazing volunteers that we love!
From left to right meet:
*Literacy Coordinator: Jeri G. *Board Member & Event volunteer: Kelci *Math Coordinator: Jeni R.