Lights, Camera, Action: How a Former GVRA Client Parlayed her Acting Talent into a Passion for Teaching

After appearing in high school stage productions, Paige Ortwein got the acting bug. Being onstage gave her a sense of pride and accomplishment. Because of the accolades she received as a young actress, she committed to doing whatever it took to forge a career in the dramatic arts.

Paige’s mom, Donna Duff, supported her daughter’s decision to work in theater but knew there would be challenges. As a special education instructor in the Polk County School System, she learned about GVRA and hoped Paige could benefit from assistance offered by the agency.     

Once Paige was eligible for services, she was assigned to Celeste Harris, a policy and compliance manager in the Marietta office. “Paige was referred to GVRA by faculty at Rockmart High School,” Harris explained. “Initially, Paige seemed a little unsure of herself and her ability to work in theater. She became a GVRA client for approximately five years. During that time, her mom and I gave her lots of encouragement as she pursued her goals.”

Paige graduated from high school in 2011 and was accepted to Young Harris College. At Young Harris, Paige thrived in the Theater Arts program. She starred onstage in several productions, and her peers elected her the senior superlative with the best sense of humor. 

Support from GVRA Enables Paige to Earn Her Bachelor’s Degree 

According to Harris, support services Paige received over the five-year period included completion of an updated psychological evaluation, introduction to assistive work technology, and in-house job readiness training.

“Celeste Harris was the driving force behind Paige’s success in college,” Duff said. “My daughter was diagnosed with specific learning disabilities and a speech-language disorder, but she is high-functioning. For those individuals, navigating the public K-12 system and higher education institutions can be daunting. Ms. Harris held Paige accountable and kept her focused.”

After graduating from Young Harris College, Paige participated in the Disney College Program. For eight months she worked at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Paige says the Disney College Program was a terrific introduction to the entertainment industry, and working at the café strengthened her resolve to someday work in theater.

Following her stint with Disney, Paige accepted a position as a catering director with Chick-fil-A. “For approximately six years, I proudly served the Polk County community as a Chick-fil-A team member!” Paige declared. “It was a great opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed catering and supporting daily restaurant operations.” 

After Years of Preparation, Paige lands her Dream Job 

In 2023, Paige realized her goal of becoming a drama teacher when she was hired by administrators at Cedartown Middle School. Thanks to her love of acting and her outstanding rapport with faculty, staff, and students, Paige also has been tapped to contribute to theater programs at Cedartown High, Rockmart High, and the Children’s Summer Theater Program in Rockmart.  

“I am thriving in my role as a drama instructor. I owe much of my success to GVRA and to Ms. Harris,” Paige mused. “She spoke to me as a friend rather than just a client. She truly listened to my needs and ensured I had everything I needed to succeed. Because of her guidance and support, I have landed my dream job. Every day I get to share my passion for theater with my students; it never feels like work. Instead, it feels like I spend eight hours a day exploring the incredible world of theater.”

Paige is Successful Largely Thanks to GVRA, says Mom 

When asked to comment on Paige’s involvement with GVRA, Duff said she would enthusiastically recommend GVRA to individuals seeking services. “Currently, Paige is attending Shorter University to obtain her master’s in education. None of this would have been possible without GVRA and Ms. Harris’ involvement early on,” Duff explained. “Ms. Harris was an active participant on Paige’s transition team---she taught Paige to advocate for herself!”

Outside of school, Paige enjoys attending live performances and remaining active in community theater. She has been married for four years, and she and her husband recently welcomed their first child. 

Upon hearing about Paige’s success, Harris was ecstatic. “I am delighted to know Paige’s determination to work in theater arts has become a reality,” Harris stated. “She has overcome many obstacles, and she has conscientiously completed all the requirements related to her career choice. I am honored to bear witness to Paige’s continued success.”

Related to: 

• Success Story