Volunteer in Action: Angela Rodriguez
I have known Angela for a few years and was happy to see her as a presenter at the National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) Conference in the summer of 2018. At the conference Angela taught teens and adults with Down Syndrome a Yoga Fundamentals classes. She also gave participants...
Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Keenan and BDI Playhouse
We contacted BDI Playhouse for a donation of candy for our Trunk or Treat in October and the relationship has turned into so much more! Jessica Keenan (SLP), Sheri Ireland-Berk (PT) and Teri Westra (OT) came to 2 & Under on 11/30 as a support to our parents and answered...
Programming News!
GiGi's Playhouse Fox Valley has been busy collaborating with other groups! Some new opportunities for 2019 include: Lil' Beast Ninjas- Develop your child’s coordination and strength through skills such as balancing, hanging, jumping, climbing and running, while instilling self-confidence and teamwork in a safe and positive environment. Open house on...
Spotlight: Katie Vaughan, site coordinator
Thank you Naperville Magazine for giving me the opportunity to share what it means to me to be a part of the GiGi's Playhouse family. Working here as site coordinator is a dream come true. Every day I know that I am making the world a better place for my...
Participant Best of All- Dominic
Dominic at Kids Club Dominic has been an active participant at Kids Club and GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley since Februrary 2017. Dominic loves to attend, and having pizza, but observed during games. As noted by Tanya, Kids Club program leader, “Dominic played a game for the first time. He took...
Playhouse Inspiration- David and Orange Theory
David is a trainer at Orange Theory fitness and a proud daddy to June. Orange theory raised money for GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley during the month of November and raised over $7000!!! Thank you Lundgren family and Orange Theory Fitness South Naperville!!!
Volunteer Spotlight- Akshaya
Akshaya Raghavan was recognized by Kids Matter Youth Service Awards dinner for her tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse. Diane, the parent of one of Akshaya’s students writes: “She has an unbelievable passion when it comes to helping students with disabilities. Last winter she developed an app to help intellectually challenged students...
Participant Best of All- Mighty Max
Mighty Max is making great strides at 2 & Under. He is doing a great job of showing core strength through his good posture. He has a strong trunk and was able to support himself while sitting by using his quads and a bended knee. He also is starting in...
Playhouse Inspiration- Naperville Half Marathon & 5k
It was a blistering cold day in October for the Naperville Half Marathon & 5k, but that didn't stop us. The sun wasn't even up, but that did not deter us. GiGi's Playhouse Fox Valley was on a mission to raise awareness and empower individuals with Down syndrome! Through our...
Volunteer Spotlight- Sonika
Sonika Menon of the Birthday Giving Program (birthday giving club) approached GiGi's Playhouse about joining our non-profit organizations to celebrate the birthdays of our participants. It was a perfect fit for Family Fun Night and in August Sonika brought a cake, and in September we celebrated 3 birthdays. Sonika is...
Participant Best of All- Sammy
Sammy is currently in preschool and has been attending Literacy tutoring since Spring 2018. Within that short amount of time she has grown tremendously in her stamina. In the beginning of her sessions Sammy was able to attend to her tasks for about 3 minutes, but now eagerly goes to...