Volunteer
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 are safe, effective, and progressive.…
Read MoreVolunteer 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 Max, a cat named Jambalaya,…
Read MoreProgram 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 chapter book to increase comprehension…
Read MoreMonty 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 muscles/movements to write. Monty had…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Kelly – GiGiFIT Infant and Toddler Program Leader
I’m Kelly Starsky – “Ms. Kelly” at the Playhouse! I’m a Marquette graduate and have been a pediatric physical therapist my whole career. While I have worked in Birth to Three and outpatient clinics in the past, I’ve mostly worked in public schools— that’s truly where my heart is happy! When I was growing up…
Read MoreProgram Spotlight: GiGi Prep an adult OT and life skills program
GiGi Prep with Mount Mary University OT This NEW program will be led by Master’s students from Mt. Mary’s Occupational Therapy (OT) program under the supervision of a licensed professor. Participants (ages 18 and older) will apply for this specialty program. Together they will work on their communication skills to become self-advocates and Playhouse Ambassadors. Participants will develop skills…
Read MoreRegister for Literacy or Math Tutoring and Book Club – SUMMER Sessions
Click Here All programs at GiGi’s Playhouse are completely FREE to individuals with Down syndrome and our friends with other disabilities but they are not free for the Playhouse. These programs would not be possible without our amazing volunteers, donations, company matches, and grants. SUMMER 2021 Enrollment is now OPEN! TUTORING (Ages 3 and older)…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Holly
Hi, my name Holly and I am an intern for GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee. I am a senior at Alverno College studying health education. I was so excited when I heard about GiGi’s Playhouse and that I could be a part of it! I started my internship this spring amidst the COVID shutdown. Although I have not been able to…
Read MoreProgram Highlight – Volunteer Orientation At Home (virtual)
At VIRTUAL Volunteer Orientation, you will learn best practices in supporting children and adults with Down syndrome as well as learn about the programs offered at GiGi’s Playhouse and how you can be a part of this amazing community. Orientation lasts approximately 45-60 minutes. Download Microsoft Teams, you will be asked to join our Volunteering…
Read MoreProgram Highlight – LMNOP supports our littlest learners and their families
LMNOP (Language, Music ‘N Our Peeps) LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities. Our Program Leader Melissa has a passion for helping others and is a sign language interpreter at UW-Milwaukee. GiGi’s Playhouse…
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