Amina Grace Speech and Language Program: The Clinicians’ Perspective II

The GiGi’s Playhouse Amina Grace Speech and Language program provides children, youth, and adults with greatly expanded opportunities to evolve and refine their clarity of speech, word order, enunciation, and message meaning. These skills are paramount to fostering greater self-confidence, comprehension, problem-solving, school readiness, social skills, independence, and overall quality of life.

The benefits of this program are immeasurable, not only for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, but for the emerging speech-language pathologists as well. The fabulous team of graduate student clinicians from Wayne State University have just completed their final week of the fall session.

Here is what they had to say about their experience:

 

“Gigi’s has left a very special place in my heart. Working with the participants and watching them make progress toward their goals was incredibly rewarding and I am so thankful to be a part of that. I also appreciate the tremendous support from the families and being able to work with them every week. I will miss the fun, the games, and the special personalities I got to enjoy this semester. I cannot thank them all enough for the impact they have made on me as a student clinician.”

– Alexa Buckley

 

“Through the warm days of summer’s end, the change and fall of autumn leaves, and the beginning swirls of winter, I had the pleasure of working with many participants and their families at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. Just like the changing of seasons, the participants at GiGi’s changed, too. I saw many breakthroughs, progressions, and little steps, and it was all possible due to the willingness of everyone involved, in and outside of the Playhouse. The experience was a great educational one, and one I recommend everyone to seek at least once in their lives, and if possible, for a while.”

– Admir Medic

 

“As a student clinician at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, I have had the privilege of working with some truly amazing individuals and their families. The participants I worked with were incredibly dedicated and motivated to improve their speech, language, and communication skills. Their hard work and determination is truly inspiring. In addition to the participants, their families were very supportive and encouraging. They were actively involved in their loved ones’ therapy sessions, and their enthusiasm and commitment to helping their children further develop their speech was heartwarming. My peers at the clinic were also a joy to work with; they were dedicated and passionate. I have had a great experience and am fortunate to work with such amazing participants, families, and peers. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this community!”

– Megan Zaghmout

 

“It has been a wonderful semester at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit! I got to work with participants on a variety of goals, including using and understanding language, increasing speech clarity, and improving social skills. The kids were so fun to work with, and always came to our sessions excited and motivated to work on their goals. Whether small or large, each participant made progress which was a sight to behold. I had the chance to learn and develop my clinical skills in a fun and friendly environment and I am very grateful for that! Thank you to all the participants and families who helped make this experience great!”

– Violet Rhodes

 

We are sending a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to the Wayne State University Speech Department, specifically Alexa, Admir, Megan and Violet, as well as their fabulous supervisor, Kimberly Lyon. We are so grateful for the time, energy, creativity, thoughtfulness and encouragement you brought to our Playhouse this fall. It was truly amazing to witness your sessions and see the results. We wish you all the best in your careers and beyond!

We also want to thank the wonderful Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation of SE Michigan for the grant they awarded us to fund this life-changing program!

To learn more about the Amina Grace Speech and Language program, visit this link.

Mark your calendar:

Registration for the spring session is currently OPEN until Wednesday, January 4th. Slots are limited and fill up fast!

Apply HERE.

If you have any questions, please email Kathleen Tynes.

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