Blog Series – Meet our Volunteers!

As Program Director, part of my job is to meet the volunteers and guide them to find the right position in our growing community. We are so thankful for each and every one that walks through our doors. In this blog series, I would like to introduce them to you and celebrate their Best of All.

At the end of last year, we welcomed 2 new Board Members to the Playhouse to help continue to steer our Playhouse in the correct direction – UP!

Eden Anker is our Math Coordinator; a Math and Literacy Tutor AND a Board Member

Eden became involved with GiGi’s, in 2017, when she saw a posting on Facebook seeking literacy tutors. Since then, she has worked with numerous children (17 students for literacy and 9 for math), joined the Education Committee, been a consistent volunteer for GiGiFIT Teen, and helped to pilot the math-tutoring program, which she now leads. This month, we have welcomed Eden onto our Board of Directors.

Eden has become a key volunteer within our Playhouse, we are extremely grateful for her generosity, dedication, love and enthusiasm. Last year at the Gala we celebrated Eden as one of our honorees – she received the Above and Beyond Award for Outstanding Volunteerism.

Eden lives in Dobbs Ferry with her husband, dog, and at times her three grown daughters. She has a B.A. from Colby College and a M.P.A from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. Eden has been active in the education of children her whole life as a swim teacher, waterfront director, camp counselor, mother, P.T.A volunteer and more.

Prior to her time at GiGi’s, Eden was very active with the Friends of the Dobbs Ferry Library, as both Treasurer and head of the annual used book sale. Her other interests include taking her dog Pippi to agility classes, knitting and all sorts of water sports. Eden loves her work at GiGi’s, especially moments where she sees her students accomplish something new, such as making a pattern with math manipulatives, sounding out a word, or reading a book.

MaryBeth Schulze – Board Member and Parent to Sam

MaryBeth lives in Yonkers, NY with her husband Chris, and their 18-year-old daughter, Samantha, who has Down syndrome and is an active participant at GiGi’s Playhouse. MaryBeth is a Production Specialist for a textbook creator and designer and has extensive experience in desktop publishing. MaryBeth is a graduate of Lehman College, CUNY, in The Bronx.

MaryBeth and her family have always been involved in Down Syndrome based activities and programs since the arrival of Samantha. The family is a dedicated supporter and participant of the Playhouse as well as The Miracle League of Westchester, working to spread the idea of inclusion.

MaryBeth and her husband are very proud of their daughter Samantha’s accomplishments and firmly believe that participating in GiGi’s Playhouse is vital in the overall happiness and maturation of their daughter.

Interested in volunteering and making a difference to our community? Please visit our website for further information.