Program Leader Spotlight: Meghan Zidar

At the end of this past spring, our long time and fabulous leader of GiGiFIT Toddler, Denise Hubbard, let us know she needed to take a break. Of course we were going to miss Denise, and for a short time we weren’t sure what would happen with this invaluable program.

We knew Meghan Zidar, a local Physical Therapist, because she regularly met a client at the Playhouse for PT throughout the pandemic. We were able to witness first hand how knowledgable and compassionate Meghan is. She always showed up with enthusiasm, encouragement, and creative ways to improve gross motor skills. She spent lots of time educating the parent on how to support their child to build strength and coordination. Needless to say, we could think of no one better to take Denise’s place than Meghan. Lucky for us and all our toddler friends, she agreed, and has been doing a fantastic job leading GiGiFIT Toddler for the last two sessions!

Please take a moment to get to know Meghan more below!

Hi Meghan! How did you learn about GiGi’s?

I work in the schools as a physical therapist and some of my students participated in programs or Open Play at GiGi’s. I was able to come to the center and interact with the children. It is such a wonderful space for people with disabilities and those who love them.

What brought you to working with the special needs population?

I’ve been a physical therapist for 28 years and have always loved working with children. One of my favorite populations to work with is children with Down syndrome. My students have always held a special place in my heart.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not wearing your PT Hat?

I enjoy spending time with my family; my husband of 25 years, our 4 children, and our dog. Whether we are taking walks to the Farmer’s Market, golfing, or just hanging out, it’s always fun to have everyone around. Now that my children are moving out I realize how special this time is with them is. You blink and they are all grown up.

So true. We are incredibly grateful for the time, care, and expertise you share with our little ones.

We are also incredibly happy to announce Meghan has agreed to lead our NEW GiGiFIT Infant program, in addition to GiGiFIT Toddler, in the Spring of 2024!

GiGiFIT Infant will include key physiology and learning strategies to help our youngest participants achieve their #BestOfAll as soon as possible. We will target the core, hips, and leg muscles, as well as balance reactions, to enhance sitting posture, standing posture, sit-to-stand movements, and weight shifting. The skills practiced in GiGiFIT Infant are designed for babies through independent standers.

If you have a loved one who would benefit from this program, please keep an eye out for registration, opening on December 4th.  

We will also need support volunteers for both the infant and toddler programs… How fun!

If you would like to help these sweet babes build the necessary strength to begin exploring their world (OR want to assist with any of our other great programs), please sign up for our next volunteer orientation, this Saturday, October 28^th, at 9am. Click HERE to register!