Big News at GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau: Meet Our New Volunteer Coordinator, Lizzy!
As we step into 2025 with fresh goals and innovative programs, we are thrilled to introduce a new, yet familiar, face to our team. Many of you have already been greeted by Lizzy’s radiant smile as she led various programs as a dedicated volunteer. Now, we are delighted to announce that Lizzy is joining us as our new Volunteer Coordinator!
Lizzy’s journey with GiGi’s Playhouse has been nothing short of inspiring. Her passion and commitment as a volunteer have been evident to all, and her background in nursing brings a unique and nurturing perspective to our community. Lizzy is excited to continue her journey with us, now in a role where she can further inspire and support our participants. Continue reading to learn more about Lizzy!
Greetings to GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau participants, families, supporters, and friends!
I’m writing to share my journey within GiGi’s and where I’d like to help the Playhouse go. When I started volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau in November 2023, I thought, “What a great way to spend a couple of hours a week.” Now I find myself hired as your new Volunteer Coordinator! Quite the shift to make in just over a year, to say the least. So let me walk you a little bit through my journey.

Tell me a little about yourself…
I grew up in Rhinelander and moved to the Wausau area in 2017. I am a nurse with about 15 years of experience in healthcare. I enjoy crocheting, cooking, and baking sourdough. I’m married to Garrett (who also volunteers at GiGi’s), and we have two rescue dogs, Francis, a Saint Bernard, and Xena, a pit bull mix. I love spending my time on, in, or near water, and could probably eat Mexican food every day. Most people would describe my personality as compassionate and generous, with a little sprinkling of “doesn’t take herself too seriously.”



How did I get involved at GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau?
I got started at GiGi’s because of an invitation to the annual Harvest Picnic from my aunt and uncle. In my time with GiGi’s, I’ve been a volunteer and lead for both the Teen Kitchen and Seed to Sale programs. I’ve also served on committees for the Harvest Picnic and Kickball tournament as well as Marketing.
I was generously invited to the GiGi’s National Conference in November 2024, where I came away with so much more than a better understanding of the GiGi’s mission. I brought home an empowered mindset for ways I could help reach our community and learned about ways that I could better serve our participants and families. Making connections with others across the GiGi’s network was so much fun and brought so much insight to the triumphs and trials that we go through on a local level. I found myself thinking of all the things the Playhouse could be, and how I’d like to help it grow.

When the role of Volunteer Coordinator became available, I was immediately interested in applying and did so. Even though I have no experience working for a non-profit, and limited experience with volunteering, I knew that my tenacity and passion for the Playhouse mission were going to be enough to drive me to do everything I could to make sure that the Playhouse would thrive. I know there is work to be done in spreading the news about what GiGi’s is and how others can help and I am excited to dig in.
Why am I a great fit for this role?
I’ve learned several skills through working in healthcare that I see as a huge asset to the Playhouse. I have a strong history of advocating for what is right for patients, which translates to advocating for all who are a part of our organization. I’ve experienced the power of a group coming together to achieve a particular goal. Dealing with setbacks, challenges, and struggling every step of the way are not foreign concepts to me. The time that I’ve spent getting to know strangers, sometimes on the worst days of their lives, has been time that I’ve gathered knowledge on how to approach anyone, no matter their background. Furthermore, I truly believe that working at GiGi’s is going to be so much more than “just a job.”

What are my goals for GiGi’s Playhouse- Wausau?
My greatest desire is to see GiGi’s Playhouse become the place people think of when they are trying to find a place to volunteer. I want North Central Wisconsin to know about GiGi’s Playhouse, and to let them know what we have to offer our community. I know that with our current volunteers and those volunteers to come, we can make that dream a reality.
I want to have a volunteer base that is sufficient to have appropriate ratios for all of our programs, events, and general Playhouse needs. I am aware that currently, the Playhouse has many openings within our programs and my goal is to recruit volunteers to fill those roles. I plan to actively seek out opportunities to speak to groups and individuals who may be interested in volunteering for GiGi’s. I aspire to develop relationships with our area schools, healthcare organizations, and churches. However, all of these goals are after the desire to make sure that our current volunteers feel empowered and acknowledged for all the hard work they do.

In conclusion, I am looking forward to welcoming you all back in the new year in my new role. My goal is to find the Playhouse some new faces and find different ways to cherish the ones we already know. Now that you know a bit more about myself and my vision for the Playhouse, I hope you feel comfortable coming to me with ideas, suggestions, and needs that you may have.

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