Literacy Coordinator Changing Lives, One Syllable at a Time

When the Denver Playhouse doors opened last fall, we were fortunate to have one of GiGi’s model programs – Literacy 1:1 tutoring available to our families. This program is unique and impactful for individuals with Down syndrome as it strives to foster a love for reading no matter your age!

Much like the literacy program, its program coordinator, Kathy Saporito, is making a HUGE impact within our community. She is the strong force working tirelessly to prepare our loved ones and their volunteer tutors for learning the foundation blocks of literacy. We can’t wait for you to meet her! 

Kathy Saporito and her grandson, Matthew

Tell me a little bit about yourself?
I’m a Texas native, Navy wife, mother of two grown and flown boys, and a Mimi to my sweet grandson, Matthew. I’ve lived in Colorado Springs for 11 years- that’s the longest I’ve lived anywhere since I got married! I love to hike, run, snowshoe, read, and cook. I have two dogs who are my babies.

How did you learn about GiGi’s Playhouse Denver?
When we got our grandson’s Down syndrome diagnosis, my daughter-in-law mentioned all the services available in San Diego- among them, GiGi’s Playhouse. When I went to learn more online, I noticed that a Denver Playhouse was opening soon. So I immediately signed up to volunteer.

Why do you choose to volunteer?
I knew nothing about Down syndrome when we found out about Matthew’s diagnosis. So much of what I read on the internet was scary and discouraging. GiGi’s Playhouse was an uplifting, positive voice. I don’t live near Matthew, so I can’t help him directly, but I can help others with the same diagnosis and their families.

Have you always been passionate about literacy?
I graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Elementary Education. I taught for about six years until my boys were little, and we started moving every two years. I’ve worked in the fitness industry for close to 30 years. I’ve always been an avid reader, and I loved watching my students connect from letters to sounds to words to meaning.

What does acceptance mean to you?
Acceptance means that I accept you as you are- I don’t expect you to change or act a certain way around me. And as such, I respect the ways we are different and alike, and I hope you will do the same for me (even though I am a Texas Aggie!)

What do you hope to bring to the Denver Playhouse? (i.e., knowledge, expertise, love, etc.)
I very much want the literacy program at GiGi’s Denver to succeed and reach as many students as possible. Our program wouldn’t exist without the hard-working and dedicated tutors who freely give their time and talents!

Learn More about the Literacy 1:1 Tutoring Program

Explore the variety of learning styles with literacy tutoring

The GiGi’s Playhouse 1:1 Literacy Tutoring Program uses a methodology with documented success based on research by professionals in the field. The ability to read opens doors for individuals with Down syndrome in the workplace, schools, and the community.  Developing reading skills also leads to improvements in speech and language development, auditory perceptual skills, and working memory function.  Our goal is to foster a love for reading and provide an opportunity to develop and master skills, all while building a positive relationship with our volunteer tutors.  Trained tutors work at the level of the child, continually challenging and encouraging him/her to reach their Best of All.  Students can start in our program as early as age 3 or any year after that. Weekly lessons last 45-60 minutes for 10-12 weeks at a time.  Family members attend each tutoring session and leave with practical activities to continue the learning at home.  

Interested students and tutors can apply online.  The summer session will begin in June, and registration for tutors is now open through May 22.