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

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. Another 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:

“I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to have one of my speech and language graduate placements at GiGi’s Playhouse! Working each week with the individuals I was paired with and their families has shaped me as a student clinician. Each of these participants impacted me in some way and I am so proud of all the progress they made throughout the semester. I will truly miss each and every one!”

– Hannah Porter

“My experience at GiGi’s has left an indelible mark on my heart and I will forever be grateful for the participants I was able to work with this semester. I have gained a new perspective working with children with Down Syndrome and their families. Watching them strive for success and achieve milestones has been so rewarding. I will miss seeing their smiles and sharing in the joy as they expanded their ability to communicate with the world. I will forever be grateful for the impact they have had on me. Thank you, GiGi’s for this unforgettable experience.”

– Madeleine Byrnes

“I had the most incredible experience at GiGi’s! Working with the participants each week was an absolute privilege. The staff at GiGi’s were always so welcoming, and their dedication and passion were evident in every aspect of their work. The participants themselves were a joy to be around, with their unique personalities shining through in every activity. It was heartening to witness their progress toward their goals and see them learn, grow, and achieve milestones. GiGi’s is truly a beacon of hope, providing invaluable resources and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to thrive. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this amazing organization and work with these incredible participants. Thank you, GiGi’s, for the unforgettable experience!”

– Julia Marentette

“I have very much enjoyed my time volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse! GiGi’s is such a warm and welcoming environment, and one I am sad to leave. I am so thankful I was able to work with people with Down syndrome as well as their families, and support them in accomplishing their goals. They have helped me become a better clinician and individual. I am so proud of all the participants, and will miss being surrounded by their unique and lovable personalities each week.”

– Amelia Nikesch

“My time at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit has been a truly wonderful experience. Working with individuals with Down syndrome each week has been very rewarding and I have learned so much here, from both the clients and their families. I am so thankful to everyone at GiGi’s for allowing me to become a member of this community over the past semester, and for the supportive learning experience GiGi’s Playhouse has provided me!”

– Meghan Lamb

We are sending a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to the Wayne State University Speech Department, specifically Hannah, Madeleine, Julia, Amelia, and Meghan, as well as their fabulous clinical supervisor, Kimberly Lyon, M.A., CCC-SLP. 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 summer session is currently OPEN until Sunday, April 30th. Slots are limited and fill up fast!

Apply HERE.

If you have any questions, please email Kathleen Tynes.