Volunteer Spotlight: Tessa Kotarski

Volunteer appreciation week is April 16-22, but we have so many wonderful volunteers to talk about it, that we’ll be celebrating all month! Just a reminder, GiGi’s Playhouse Madison is 99% volunteer run – which means we wouldn’t be here without our volunteers. It’s pretty incredible to think back on all of the hours people have given to us – 5,698 hours in 2022 alone! These blogs will be posted in a question and answer format. 

Tessa Kotarski

Why did you decide to volunteer with GiGi’s Playhouse? 

One of my best friends back home has Down syndrome and our relationship has brought me so much fun and sweet moments, it inspired me to pursue a career in speech pathology. Now that I’m in school, I wanted to get more experience working with adults and teens. 

How long have you been a volunteer? 

I’ve been with GiGi’s since the fall of 2022!

What programs, committees or events have you volunteered with? 

GiGi’s Kitchen Teen/Adult 

What is your favorite way to volunteer with GiGi’s? 

I love coming to class every week and seeing familiar faces. 

Can you share a favorite moment from your time volunteering? 

Any moments where the people in class prank me, or make jokes – they are too funny. 

What is the most impactful thing you have learned from your time at GiGi’s? 

Not only is every individual different but their relationships with each other are unique and can change from day to day. 

What advice would you give to someone that is new to volunteering or considering volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse? 

Get comfortable. All the participants, families and administrators are so approachable and helpful. It is one of the happiest and most welcoming places ever. 

__________

Thank you, Tessa! 🧡