Volunteer Spotlight: Christine Rosato!

There is no doubt that GiGi’s Playhouse has some of the best volunteers out there! They all deserve ALL the recognition, but this month, we are looking at a very special tutor. Chris Rosato has been tutoring at the Hoffman Playhouse for almost two years and has worked with several different students and families

Chris has given so much to her students, working with both literacy and math, and she never fails to try things outside of the box to help her students learn any way they can. She has also gained incredible insight on individuals with Down syndrome.

In her own words, “my students have not only shown me the value of patience but also the importance of providing gentle encouragement, of never giving up, of filling your own toolbox through the process of discovery, and the significance of that single step. I know from my own experience as a parent, not every child learns from the same script or at the same pace as his or her peers.”

Chris always is able to use her students’ interests to reach out to them on a personal level and she often stays late in the Playhouse to review her lessons and learn new ways to connect with them. Creativity is key and her tutor sessions have lots of it!

Chris goes on to say, “I feel privileged that [my students] have trusted me enough to show me their vulnerabilities and their gifts. I would proudly lift them up as an example to anyone who lacks patience, who takes things for granted, or who easily gives up when the situation becomes challenging. I hope I can teach them as much as they continue to teach me. Perhaps the greatest gift I have been given from my experience as a tutor with GiGi’s Playhouse, is the knowledge that regardless of what happens in the course of my day, I have students who need me and count on me. If I help them accomplish just one of their goals, that’s worth every second we spend together.”

We deeply appreciate Chris’ dedication and we are great because of all our tutors and volunteers!

For more information on the tutor program, visit our website.