Volunteer Spotlight: Cella and Lisa Lead 1-on-1 Down Syndrome Tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego

At GiGi’s Playhouse, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do—and when they bring both passion and purpose, they help us change lives. Our 1-on-1 tutoring program is one of our most impactful initiatives, offering individualized support that empowers individuals with Down syndrome to thrive.

We’re excited to introduce two amazing women who are helping lead this effort as our newest Volunteer Tutoring Coordinators: Marcella (Cella) and Lisa.

One-on-one literacy and math tutoring provides individuals with Down syndrome a customized learning experience tailored to their unique strengths, interests, and learning styles. This individualized approach not only supports academic growth, such as reading fluency or math comprehension, but also builds vital skills like confidence, communication, and independence.

These life-changing sessions are made possible thanks to the passion and dedication of volunteer coordinators like Cella and Lisa, who ensure each tutoring match is organized, supported, and set up for success. Their behind-the-scenes work empowers both tutors and students to thrive, making every lesson a meaningful step toward a more confident, inclusive future.

Lisa, a dedicated GiGi’s volunteer since December 2023, first made her mark as our Playhouse organizer extraordinaire. While it may not sound glamorous, her talent for decluttering and creating order has been a game-changer—especially when you’re trying to find that one crucial item in a pinch! Her strong organizational skills quickly caught the attention of our staff, who knew she’d be a perfect fit to support the tutoring program by helping keep documentation and supplies streamlined, ultimately ensuring things run smoothly for everyone involved.

We asked Lisa to share a bit more of her journey with GiGi’s and here is what she had to offer:

“I found GiGi’s through a Google search. I have always volunteered; Special Olympics, Navy spouses groups, Alliance on Aging, managing a hospital gift shop (volunteer) and managing soccer teams. I needed a change and wanted to see how I could help with GiGi’s. I found it very welcoming and happy which made me happy to be part of a great organization”

Cella, the newer Volunteer of the two, moved to San Diego from out of state but found GiGi’s in a similar fashion as Lisa. The internet is a wonderful thing at times and often brings GiGi’s amazing individuals such as the 2 we are introducing.

Just as Lisa, we asked Cella to share a bit more incite and here is what she offered:

• How did you find GiGi’s?

“When living in Virginia, I volunteered as a cheer coach for kids and young adults with special abilities. After moving to San Diego, I searched for similar opportunities and found GiGi’s Playhouse!”

• What made you want to volunteer? 

“As a teacher, I have always had a passion for working with kids. What stood out about GiGi’s was that their support was not strictly directed towards school-aged students but toward the whole family from before birth up through adulthood. I had never heard of a center like this and knew I had to be a part of it.“

• Do you have a background in the field, if so, what?

“I have been an educator for over 10 years with experience in General and Special Education. I have worked with students of all abilities including those with Developmental Language Disorders, Deaf/HoD, Dyslexia, ADHD, Mild-Severe Autism, and Down Syndrome.”

• What do you enjoy about GiGi’s?

“I enjoy the fact that everyone is welcome. The atmosphere is that of pure joy and everyone I have met has welcomed me with a smile and with open arms.”

• What do you think GiGi’s could benefit from or incorporate?

“Since I am still so new, I have yet to personally see everything that GiGi’s has to offer. I would love to implement more structured literacy instruction within the tutoring program and ways to make learning applicable to everyday life and also functional uses of the instruction provided for life after they leave the classroom.”

We are so glad both Lisa and Cella found GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego and can’t wait for their first tutoring session to begin this summer! If you are in the Playhouse and see them please be sure to give them a huge GiGi’s welcome!

So just like that a simple search, interest in volunteering and wanting to make the world more accepting, you too could become one of our amazing volunteers! Want to learn how, be sure to click the link: