Volunteer Spotlight: Sue Haessler
Sue - Program Leader for Leaps & Bounds Sue Haessler is a retired speech-language pathologist who spent 34 years perfecting her craft. Once she retired she knew she wanted to volunteer in a community that would benefit from her experience. Covid delayed her a bit, but now she’s ready to...
Katelyn shows her Best of All!
Katelyn was our advocate speaker for the Brew HaHa just a week ago and she rocked it! Each session she participates in GiGiFIT Adult and Tutoring and over the summer was a part of the first GiGi Prep program (which is returning again for the summer of 2022). Katelyn loves...
Program Highlight: GiGi Kitchen
GiGi’s Kitchen is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack. Participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palette expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to...
Henry shows his Best of All!
Henry is such a champ! He participates in Music, GiGiFIT Infant, and Leaps & Bounds, and he enjoys all of it! His adorable grin and noisy interjections make us all smile. At Music, he shakes his legs which are often adorned with bells, and claps his hands to the songs...
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month but we Like to Call it Down Syndrome Acceptance Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month but we Like to Call it Down Syndrome Acceptance Month As I travel along this path of parenting a child with Down syndrome, I have to admit that I have mixed emotions regarding October and Down Syndrome Awareness Month. On one hand, I...
Birthdays have always been about cake, and always will be.
Birthdays have always been about cake, and always will be. Recently my adult daughter was looking through old videos on her phone and came across one from her 12th birthday. Her little brother, Ryan, was 5 and so excited. Of course, after she blew out the candles, we re-lit them...
Program Highlight: Leaps and Bounds
Leaps & Bounds gets a makeover! (ages 2-7) This great program is getting an update thanks to the students and professors at Carroll University! Each week participants, their families and students from the following departments: Art Therapy, Music Therapy, OT, PT, and Nursing will enjoy a lot of hands-on learning and...
Volunteer Spotlight – Caroline
Caroline - Literacy Tutor Hello! My name is Caroline Carrothers, and I am a summer literacy tutor for GiGi’s. I was born in Puerto Rico, but I’ve grown up in Wisconsin. After graduating from Georgetown, I moved to Portugal to teach English and Spanish at Universidade da Beira Interior. Due...
Cody shows his Best of All!
Cody shows his Best of All! As it was the last session (of the summer and) we ended up being the only ones there, but it was OK. Cody loved it. He really connected with Ryan (GiGiFIT Kids Program Leader). This was Cody's first time doing GiGiFIT. I wasn't sure if...
GiGiFIT Program TRIAL
Ever wondered what GiGiFIT is all about? Come to try it and see the program in action. Learn about what skills are worked on, the various age groups, locations, and more! GiGiFIT: Combines physical therapy with a strong fitness focus. Specifically addressing hypotonia and excessive joint laxity, the GiGiFIT programs...
My why!
My why! The reason I can’t give up. It’s my duty to make sure you are provided every opportunity or advantage to be whatever you choose and to share you with as many people as possible. You are the embodiment of non-judgment, acceptance, and unconditional love. The world needs you!...
Volunteer Spotlight: Katie – GiGi Kitchen Program Leader
Katie - GiGi Kitchen Program Leader Hello! My name is Katie Vitalbo and I lead the summer virtual GiGi Kitchen program. I am a born and raised Wisconsin girl. My husband, Dave, and I have been married for 21 years and have three beautiful daughters. We also have a dog named...