Meet Mitchell

If you’ve been to Hugs & Mugs in the last few years, chances are you’ve met Mitchell. Mitchell has been coming to GiGi’s Playhouse since the very beginning, aka almost 20 years! Like all of our interns, Mitchell made his way through the career programs, starting off in GiGi Prep, then graduating GiGiU. Besides Hugs & Mugs, Mitchell has participated in many other GiGi’s programs like Speech, Literacy & Math tutoring, and Fantastic Friends. Mitchell loves to go out on community outings with Hugs & Mugs bringing our yummy gelato to different communities. So who is Mitchell? He is a huge jokester, a self-proclaimed ladies man, a sharp dresser and an even better dancer. We sat down with Mitchell to ask him some questions about his time at GiGi’s and Hugs & Mugs.

Interviewer: “How long have you been an intern at Hugs?”
Mitchell: “More than 5 years.”

Interviewer: “What is your dream job?”
Mitchell: “I want to work at a restaurant so I can talk to customers and help them.”

Interviewer: “What do you like about Hugs & Mugs?”
Mitchell: “I like making new friends, and I like being around people who have Down syndrome.”

Interviewer: “What is your favorite job at Hugs?”
Mitchell: “I like the cash register and cleaning and taking people’s orders.” Interviewer: “What have you learned here?:
Mitchell: “How to be on time, how to be kind to customers, how to dress for work.”

Interviewer: “What do you do outside of GiGi’s?”
Mitchell: “I like to party! I hang out with my mom & girlfriend (Emily), I do Special Olympics powerlifting and gymnastics, I like hanging out and playing video games with Harry. I do UPS for Downs.”

Mitchell is a decorated Special Olympics athlete in Powerlifting, specializing in the bench press and dead lift. He loves working out and feeling strong. Mitchell also is in UPS for Downs, which is a theatre troupe for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities. He is currently practicing for auditions for Grease! Mitchell is a great person and an even better friend. We are so lucky to have him here at GiGi’s! We hope you enjoyed getting to know Mitchell a little more. Come back October 15^th to get to know another Hugs & Mugs intern!