Mary Mangan: GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Impact Story 

What brought you to GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago?  I had heard great things about GiGi’s Playhouse over the years from the Girls Scouts at my children’s school who volunteered there. My dear friend and college roommate brought me into GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. Her daughter Samantha was born with Down syndrome. I recommended reaching out to GiGi’s…

Read More

Beau Bates: GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Impact Story 

What brought you to GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago?  I first got involved as a volunteer to support the build-out efforts of GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. I felt that this is something that I could really help with and continued to stay involved as a Facilities Chair on the Board of Managers. Making GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago spaces best…

Read More

A Friendsgiving Feast to Remember

As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, we are reminded of the warmth that fills the hearts of friends coming together for Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of the shared memories within our GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago community. This year, we hosted our very first Friendsgiving potluck…

Read More

Welcome OTD Students, Michaela and Maya!

Hi there! My name is Michaela and I am an Occupational Therapy assistant student in my last Fieldwork Placement before I graduate. I grew up in the Northwest suburbs and completed classes at College of DuPage and transferred to Wilbur Wright in 2021 to join the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. My journey as an OTA student has been filled with so…

Read More

Community Connection with North Park Elementary

Written by Maya Wilkins OTA Student GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago welcomed some very special visitors this week from neighboring North Park Elementary School! Ms. Lawrence’s first grade class arrived eager to learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, Down syndrome, and how they can be a part of #GenerationG by being accepting, generous, and kind. Quincy, Emily, Ryan,…

Read More

Welcome to the team, Nillam!

We’re thrilled to welcome Nillam Raja as our new Program Coordinator at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago! Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Nillam and her family made Chicago their new home in November 2021. With a background in Hospitality and Business Management from Leicester College in the United Kingdom, Nillam brings a unique skill set to…

Read More

Empowering Teens Through Yoga, Teamwork, and Superhero Capes: A Look into Our Teen Tactic Program!

Written by OT Capstone Student – Zoe Goldman Our dynamic Teen Tactic program tailored for participants ages 13+, runs every other Thursday from 5:30-7:00pm! This program kicks off with a 45-minute yoga session followed by interactive group activities to promote the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and social skills all while making friends and having fun! …

Read More