Volunteer Spotlight: Molly!

This week’s volunteer spotlight is Molly! Molly has been volunteering with the Southern Tier Playhouse for many years, and helped us start our GiGi’s Cooking class! Molly is the owner of Creative Nutrition Solutions!

How did you hear about GiGi’s Playhouse/ get involved as a volunteer? 

My mom is actively involved on the GiGi’s Playhouse board and when I heard GiGi’s was looking into incorporating cooking into their programming, I was excited about volunteering and helping make the cooking programs come to fruition. 

Had you ever worked with individuals with Down syndrome or special needs?

From a nutrition perspective, on a limited basis, I have worked with clients over the years that have special needs and/or Down syndrome. Also for as long as I can remember, growing up I was around individuals with Down syndrome and special needs often, as my mom was an occupational therapist assistant and we volunteered at different events for the Down syndrome and special needs community like the Buddy Walk or other events. 

How has volunteering with the Playhouse impacted your life? 

Volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse is so rewarding, everyone is wonderful including the staff, volunteers, and of course, the participants. Seeing everyone come to cooking sessions with a smile on their face and working together to prepare and cook delicious foods is so much fun and incredibly rewarding! If I have to miss a session because of my schedule, I definitely miss being there.

What was your prior perspective on Down syndrome vs what it is now

I have always thought of people as people so I can’t say my perspective has changed. Although volunteering with GiGi’s does reinforce how wonderful the Down syndrome community is and those with Down syndrome are genuinely the kindest people I have ever met. 

Share your favorite memory or story from volunteering in the Playhouse

My favorite memory is when someone tries something new and they realize that they really like the food, which hopefully encourages them to continue to enjoy those foods outside of the sessions. 

What does a more accepting world look like to you? 

A more accepting world looks to me that people think of everyone as people and treat everyone as they would like to be treated.