Gainesville is home to many wonderful organizations that support pregnant women — but until now, there has been no dedicated housing designed specifically for young women navigating an unexpected pregnancy while working to build a stable and independent future. At Gianna’s Place, we are helping to fill that gap with compassion and purpose.
Our mission is to celebrate the sanctity of life by surrounding these women with community, encouragement, and practical support as they pursue the next chapter of their lives with confidence and dignity.
Our Vision is to create a joyful and empowering home where motherhood and education go hand in hand, surrounding single student mothers, 18 and older, with a supportive community that inspires them to flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our Board of Directors
Our Staff:
Susannah Peddie
Executive Director
Susannah Peddie serves as Executive Director of Gianna’s Place with a simple belief: when women are supported by staying in school and building stable lives, entire families benefit for generations.
Susannah has been part of the Gainesville community for more than twenty years through nonprofit leadership, volunteer work, and mentoring. She has served with local arts, museums, and philantropic organizations and has spent the past several years working closely with college and graduate students through her church’s college ministry. Each week, she mentors students, listens to their challenges, and serves as chief chef to bring students together around the table. Those steady rhythms of encouragement and practical support have shaped the way she approaches leadership.
As the founder of a hospitality company, Susannah learned how much environment matters. A place that is organized, calm, and dependable gives people room to grow. At Gianna’s Place, she is committed to helping create that kind of home; one where residents feel welcomed, respected, and supported as they work toward their degrees and care for their children.
She was drawn to Gianna’s Place because it focuses on long-term opportunity. Helping a mother remain in school does more than meet an immediate need. It strengthens her confidence, her family, and her future.
To residents, Susannah brings encouragement and steadiness. To donors and supporters, she brings a commitment to transparency and thoughtful stewardship. She considers it a privilege to serve in a role that connects generosity with real, lasting impact.
Outside of her work, Susannah enjoys hiking Florida trails, playing tennis, and spending time outdoors. She also writes children’s books inspired by Florida’s wildlife. She and her family have long called North Central Florida home and are grateful to continue serving this community.
Peyton Haley
Home Manager
We are excited to have Peyton Haley as our Home Manager. Peyton is a University of Florida graduate and is deeply passionate about Gianna’s Place and its mission. She also serves as our Social Media Manager and is committed to supporting our residents with care and dedication.
