Our Program and Volunteer Coordinators
![](https://gigisplayhouse.org/virtual/files/2023/09/coordinators-update-2-1024x512.jpg)
We are pleased to announce that we have two experienced Program and Volunteer Coordinators who will be serving our Virtual Playhouse community this fall.
Claire
We welcome Claire back to our team after family leave! Clare grew up in Minnesota where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Development with a minor in Psychology. Claire’s passion for GiGi’s Playhouse initially started when she volunteered for the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. Claire married her high school sweetheart 10 years ago and they are proud new parents to twin baby girls! “I am a dedicated and driven individual who is passionate about helping individuals reach their goals and lead full lives. I look forward to forming relationships and building a Virtual Playhouse community.”
![](https://gigisplayhouse.org/virtual/files/2023/09/Claire-LeBlond-Babies-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://gigisplayhouse.org/virtual/files/2023/09/Laura-Krueger-lower-res-1024x683.jpg)
Laura
We welcome Laura to our team! Laura finds joy in life’s simplest pleasures, from treasured moments spent with her husband and their sweet rescue dog, Sal, to embracing the beauty of the great outdoors.
Throughout her time working, she has found a deep passion for working with people with disabilities, particularly those with Down Syndrome. Having previously served as the Program Coordinator at the Raleigh Playhouse, she brings valuable experience to her role. The mission at GiGi’s Playhouse, with its focus on empowerment and education, resonates profoundly with Laura, and she eagerly looks forward to utilizing her expertise to make the Virtual Playhouse an even more enriching and supportive community for all. “I hope to foster a virtual space where individuals of all abilities can thrive, learn, and connect. I am excited to collaborate with the incredible team here to continue to make this vision a reality and continue making a positive difference in the lives we touch.”
Want to help us welcome Claire and Laura? Send them an email to virtualprograms@gigisplayhouse.org
![](https://gigisplayhouse.org/virtual/files/2024/03/Lily-and-Jade-Blog-post-1024x858.jpg)
A sister’s impact
Many of our volunteers come to us because their lives have been personally touched by knowing someone with Down syndrome. We have many volunteers who have a sibling with Down syndrome and choose to give back by volunteering through our virtual 1:1 tutoring program or virtual group programs. Their passion for the Down syndrome community…
![](https://gigisplayhouse.org/virtual/files/2024/03/FB-post-global-4-1024x858.jpg)
Where in the world will you impact acceptance?
Registration is NOW OPEN for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge! Join us in advocating for acceptance within the Down syndrome community. Let’s demonstrate that everyone deserves acceptance, regardless of differences in race, gender, diagnosis, sexual orientation, or religion! Our goal is ACCEPTANCE for all! You can register today with your local playhouse or through the Virtual…
![Cindy-Marie-Thank-You-Blog-MC Cindy-Marie-Thank-You-Blog-MC](https://gigisplayhouse.org/virtual/files/2024/03/Cindy-Marie-Thank-You-Blog-MC.png)
Illuminating Pathways to a Brighter, More Inclusive Future
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many aspects of our lives were upended. But amidst the challenges, opportunities for connection and growth emerged in unexpected places. For Cindy Marie, this opportunity came in the form of GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse. When the pandemic closed physical locations, Cindy Marie found herself eager to continue supporting the…