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...
Program Highlight: Book Club
Did you know that participants in Book Club are a part of our Literacy Tutoring program? Book Club follows the GiGi's tutoring program guide and supports participants as they interact with peers and develop a love for reading along with other literacy skills. Throughout the session, the group will read a...
Volunteer Spotlight: Morgan and Zeki of GiGi Prep
Morgan - Program Leader My name is Morgan Precour! I am a 2nd-year student at Mount Mary University where I plan to graduate in December 2021 with my master’s in occupational therapy! I grew up in Elm Grove, WI and I earned my undergrad at UW-Madison (Go Badgers!) before coming back to the...
Monty shows his Best of All!
Monty has been having a great time at Leaps and Bounds over the last few weeks! He has demonstrated his Best of All skills while working on his finger and hand strength in playing with play-doh. This increased strength will help him to manipulate objects and learn to coordinate his...