Beloved Community Spotlight

Paige Gagliano has spent much of her life helping others discover gifts they didn’t know they had. Whether she’s directing a musical, coaching leaders, teaching children, or encouraging colleagues, her passion is helping people to grow with courage, connection, and compassion.

That calling has shaped a career spanning more than 35 years. Paige has directed more than 70 plays and musicals while serving as an educator, theater director, arts leader, and leadership coach. She’s been a teacher, held leadership positions with Baton Rouge Little Theatre, the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, and the Shaw Center for the Arts. Today, she serves as a Learning and Leading Specialist with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, helping teams build healthier workplace cultures. She also does freelance work with organizations of all sorts to help them create stronger work environments.

Paige and her husband, Louis, have been married for more than 22 years. Their story began in Baton Rouge's theater community. They first met while married to other people. Years later, after both had gone through divorces, they reconnected through their shared experiences. What began as friendship soon grew into something much deeper as they discovered common values, and a shared faith. They became engaged within 11 months of a first dinner date. Paige describes their marriage as a beautiful reminder that God truly is the God of second chances.

Their family includes Bailey Wax, 31, Ethan Wax, 25, and Zane Gagliano, 20. Paige beams when talking about her children, describing them as kind, funny, smart, and, above all, deeply empathetic. She also considers her former husband, Jamie, his wife, Jaci, and their two daughters to be treasured members of the extended family, reflecting her belief that love is always stronger than division.

Although Paige was born in Maysville, Kentucky, she experienced an adventurous childhood as her family moved frequently, living in Massachusetts, Ohio, South Carolina, Belgium, and Florida, before settling in Baton Rouge when she was in the eighth grade. She has now called Baton Rouge home for 44 years. After her divorce, she bought a house just two doors down from her parents —the home where she grew up, a full-circle moment that still brings her joy.

Paige has been part of St. Margaret's for about eight years. She knew Fr. Tommy from college and had heard wonderful things about the parish. "After my first visit, I was hooked.”

Her own faith journey has seen her grow up Presbyterian, become Catholic and, following her divorce, being confirmed in the Episcopal Church. She treasures the people at St. Margaret’s, the traditional liturgy, the sacraments—especially the Eucharist—and the joyful spirit that fills the parish. "We don't believe laughter takes away from the holiness of the service," she says. "It reminds us that the presence of God is full of life."

Paige loves how St. Margaret's reflects God's family. She loves seeing people of every age, background, experience, and perspective worship together, where everyone is welcomed, valued, and invited to belong. Looking ahead, she hopes the parish continues expanding opportunities for outreach and support through ministries — creating even more places where people can find healing and community.
 

Away from work and church, Paige and Louis enjoy simple pleasures. They love binge-watching a good television series, spending time on their patio drinking coffee, and trying their hand at gardening. And don't be surprised if a casual family gathering suddenly turns into a full-blown musical theater performance. Breaking into song is simply part of life in the Gagliano household.

If Paige hopes to leave anything behind, it is a legacy of hope. She wants people—especially the children she taught, the actors she directed, and the colleagues she coached—to remember that they mattered, that they belonged, and that there is always room at the table. She says her years at St. Margaret's have shifted her life from fear and scarcity toward hope and abundance, leaving her with a simple set of priorities: love God, love family, love people, build bigger tables where everyone has a seat, and always leave room for grace.

If you haven't already met Paige, introduce yourself. Chances are you'll leave the conversation encouraged, welcomed, and perhaps even humming a favorite show tune.