community impact q&a
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QUESTION and ANSWER session with a COMMUNITY RESOURCE Megan Vance, Gigi’s Playhouse Canton Question: Where do you work currently? Answer: GiGi’s Playhouse Canton Q: What is your job title here? A: Site manager Q: How long have you been employed in your current job? A: Since April of 2021
Q: How long have you been employed in this industry? A: I have been a licensed social worker since 2018 and have over
place. When you’re 5, you don’t know what a chromosome is or how exactly to describe Down syndrome, but you find a way to educate the world around you regardless, and that’s what I’ve been doing for the past 20 years or so and plan to continue doing for a very long time. It’s amazing to see how your “why” evolves and grows to include so many more meaningful relationships over time.
five years of nonprofit experience. Q: What were your previous jobs in the industry? A: I was previously a match support specialist with Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Central Ohio, facilitating mentoring relationships to help ignite the potential in historically underserved youth for several years. I also dabbled in the behavioral and mental health field, providing therapeutic services for youth in foster care Q: What other professional associations are you a member of? A: Jackson Township Rotary, Leadership Stark County
Spotlight Class of 2022, member of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mentor Central OH technical assistance provider. I’ve recently explored volunteer opportunities with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Compassion Delivered. Q: What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field? A: My brother has always been my inspiration. From the time
he was born when I was just 5 years old, I became a lifelong advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, individuals like my brother, to make the world a more welcoming and accepting
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Q: What part of your job are you most passionate about? A: Forming relationships with every participant, family, and volunteer that walks through our doors. When part of your mission is to send a global message of acceptance for all, being a friendly face to everyone you meet plays a huge part in that. When you can model for the world what your expectations are. Q: What advice would you give to someone new to your field? A: In the words of Dolly Parton, “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
