February Spotlights

Join us in celebrating and learning more about the incredible individuals who contribute to making GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville such a special place!

Volunteer Spotlight: Belmont Level 1 Interns

Emma Cate, Karissa, and Avery are Level 1 Occupational Therapy interns from Belmont University, currently leading GiGi’s Kitchen Kids program for our 9-12-year-old participants. As they work toward becoming Doctors of Occupational Therapy, they bring their passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm to each session, making a meaningful impact on our young participants. Their dedication to fostering independence and confidence in the kitchen is evident as they guide the children through fun and engaging cooking activities.

GiGi’s Kitchen Kids is more than just a cooking class—it’s an opportunity for participants to develop essential fine motor skills, follow multi-step directions, and gain confidence in the kitchen. Under the leadership of Emma Cate, Karissa, and Avery, the children practice important tasks such as chopping, measuring, and mixing, all while improving hand strength, coordination, and dexterity. The interns ensure that each lesson is tailored to be both accessible and empowering, providing encouragement and hands-on support to help each participant succeed.

Beyond skill-building, these interns foster a warm and supportive environment where friendships grow and teamwork flourishes. Their patience and creativity help make the learning process both fun and rewarding, ensuring that every child leaves each session with a sense of accomplishment. We are so grateful for Emma Cate, Karissa, and Avery’s dedication to our Kitchen Kids program and can’t wait to see the continued impact they will make on the world as they pursue their careers in occupational therapy!

Participant Spotlight: Gabriella Provvidenza

Gabriella joined GiGi’s Playhouse this past fall as part of the Achievers program, where she quickly became a valued member of the community. Her enthusiasm, confidence, and sense of humor made her stand out, and she embraced the opportunity to build important life and career skills. Through Achievers, Gabriella worked on setting personal goals, improving communication, and developing independence. Her dedication and growth in the program led her to take the next step in her journey—joining GiGi Prep this semester.

In GiGi Prep, Gabriella continues to strengthen essential skills such as money management, customer service, teamwork, and wellness. She enjoys learning how to navigate real-world situations with greater independence and confidence. Whether working on budgeting exercises, practicing workplace communication, or collaborating with her peers, Gabriella approaches each task with determination and a positive attitude. Her progress in the program is evident, and she has become a role model for others striving to enhance their skills and independence.

Beyond GiGi Prep, Gabriella also participates in GiGi’s Kitchen Adult, where she gets to showcase her creativity and teamwork while preparing delicious meals with friends. This program has allowed her to gain confidence in the kitchen, learning about nutrition, meal planning, and the joy of cooking together. Gabriella’s humor and kindness make her a joy to be around, and she has built meaningful friendships through her time at GiGi’s. As she continues to grow and develop new skills, her journey is a testament to the power of community, support, and personal determination.

Tutor Spotlight: Melissa Divanna

Melissa is a dedicated volunteer math tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, where she works closely with a young adult with Down syndrome. With patience and a thoughtful approach, she breaks down math skills into manageable parts, ensuring that learning is accessible and enjoyable. By tailoring her tutoring sessions to fit the needs of her student, Melissa fosters confidence and independence, making math a subject of success rather than frustration. Her commitment to adaptive teaching methods highlights the importance of individualized learning and the impact of one-on-one support.

Melissa joined GiGi’s Playhouse with a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. She believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, and her work as a tutor reflects that belief. Through her dedication, she not only teaches math but also empowers her student to develop problem-solving skills and self-confidence. Melissa’s passion for inclusion and education shines in every session!

We are incredibly grateful to have Melissa as part of the GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville family. Her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm make a lasting impact on the participant she tutors and the entire community. Volunteers like Melissa help create a positive and encouraging learning environment, showing that with the right support, everyone can achieve their goals. Her dedication to making the world a better place is truly inspiring, and we celebrate all the wonderful work she does.