Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Emily Zgoda Brings Joy and Learning to GiGi’s Playhouse

At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, our volunteers are the heart of our programs—and today, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible volunteers, Dr. Emily Zgoda!

Emily is a pediatric occupational therapist and the program lead of our Friday LMNOP (Language, Music N’ Our Peeps) sessions. She is also the founder of Golden Beginnings, a pediatric therapy practice here in San Diego. With her experience supporting children of all abilities—and her therapy dog Sadie, Emily was a perfect fit for our Playhouse community.

Volunteering at GiGi’s has been such a privilege and blessing to my life. The families, volunteers, and staff create a genuinely special community, and I’m grateful that Sadie and I get to be a small part of it.

What is LMNOP?

LMNOP (Language, Music N’ Our Peeps) is designed for children with Down syndrome from birth to 36 months and their parents. This program helps families learn basic sign language and other communication skills through fun music and language-based activities. Developing these skills early supports children in strengthening their fine and gross motor abilities, laying the foundation for future growth.

With Emily’s expertise in supporting children with medical fragility, sensory needs, and developmental delays, LMNOP families are in excellent hands and we are very grateful she made her way to GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego!

Emily’s Journey to GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego

We asked Emily a series of questions so that she could share her experience as a volunteer with us here at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego! 

How did you find GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego? 
I found GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego through one of my families a few years ago that I used to work with. I was the kiddo’s OT from infancy to the age of 3 (Shout out Brodieee!! And his amazing family!). They invited me to the Donut Run, which is one of my favorite events ever. It’s been fate ever since – I love this community and all the love within it!  
 
What made you want to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego? 
I’m a pediatric OT, so creating fun, supportive spaces for kids is my whole world. GiGi’s Playhouse gives so much to this incredible Down syndrome community through creating such an amazing space for ALL!  I also utilize my therapy dog Sadie in some of my OT sessions and wanted to get more involved with her. Watching her bring so much joy to people has motivated me to reach even more people. So I figured GiGi’s Playhouse would be perfect. I walked in to meet Rissa, and the rest is history!  Can’t thank GiGi’s and Rissa enough for this opportunity to serve such an incredible community.  
 
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?  
I enjoy making connections the most and connecting my amazing families together to build this community up! It feels like we are building such a strong community. I love seeing the kids light up when they see Sadie, watching families relax and engage with their kids and one another, and being part of a community that celebrates every milestone. These groups brings to much happiness to all! 

My least favorite part is not being able to volunteer as often as I’d like. My schedule gets full quickly with therapy sessions, and I always wish I had even more time to play with everyone! 
 
Is there anything you think we could approve on? if so, what?  
Everything at GiGi’s is built with so much love joy and inclusivity! It is so perfect! The only area I’d suggest enhancing is adding more structured sensory-friendly programming and parent education workshops (which is why I am wanting to do this group and hoping to build on it). 

In my therapy sessions, families often ask about feeding, sensory processing, and motor milestones. Oh! And i think it would be amazing to add a full on sensory room/gym for nervous system regulation! Maybe we can collaborate!? 😉 
 
Any final thoughts? 
Volunteering at GiGi’s has been such a privilege and blessing to my life. The families, volunteers, and staff create a genuinely special community, and I’m grateful that Sadie and I get to be a small part of it. Doing play groups make me re-fall in love with OT over and over. 

Thank you to Emily for all of her support and bringing her experience to GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego!

GiGi’s Playhouse is powered by volunteers, 98% of our programs and operations rely on their dedication. If you’re interested in getting involved, visit our Volunteer Information page to learn more. We hope to see you at the Playhouse soon!