Registration for Spring 2025 1:1 Tutoring and Group Programs in Brentwood is Now Open!
Registration for our FREE therapeutic-based and educational programming in Brentwood this fall is open! We’d love to have you join us as a participant or volunteer.
The fall semester begins on January 21st, and wraps up on May 17th. There will be no programs or tutoring sessions March 10-14 for Spring Break. Further information on exact offerings and dates is listed below.
One-on-One Educational Tutoring
Tutoring sessions are scheduled to take place between Tuesday, January 21 and Saturday, May 17.
Our Tutoring Coordinator, Tracie, will work with each student and tutor pair to schedule a weekly tutoring session. We currently offer tutoring for:
Click Here to Sign up as a Student or Tutor
Have any questions? Contact Tracie at tmichelson@gigisplayhouse.org.
Group Therapeutic-Based & Educational Programs
Here are the steps to register as a participant:
- Create OR log-in to your My GiGi’s account. Click here for more information.
- To register for a program, click on the desired session on our website calendar and click the Register button. If you are registering for a weekly program, the system will automatically register you for all sessions!
- You can also register for a program by clicking the program name in this blog post! It will automatically open the shift from our calendar for you to click “register.”
If you have any technical issues or additional questions, feel free to email our Program Manager, Emily, at esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org


LMNOP
Recommended for ages 0-5: Language Music N‘ Our Peeps is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities. LMNOP will take place on the following Saturday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am: 1/18, 2/22, 3/8, 4/5, and 5/3.
Book + Cook
Recommended for ages 4-8: Book & Cook blends storytelling with hands-on fun for our friends ages 4–8! Each session starts with an exciting story and then brings the adventure to life with simple, creative snack-making activities.
Parents, caregivers, and siblings are encouraged to join in, making it a wonderful opportunity for connection and quality time together. This vibrant program sparks a love for reading, imagination, and social interaction while creating unforgettable memories and lasting friendships. Book + Cook will take place on the following Saturday mornings from 11:30 am-12:30 pm: 1/25, 2/1, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 4/5, 4/19, 5/3, and 5/17.
Destination Discovery (4-8 and 9-12)
Destination Discovery: Music Edition!
This semester, we’re teaming up with Belmont University’s Music Education students for a special Saturday morning program for kids ages 4–8 and 9–12!
Kids will explore rhythm, melody, and creative expression through playful, hands-on activities that spark teamwork, imagination, and a love for music. Guided by Belmont’s talented students, participants will learn, play, and connect in a fun, supportive environment.
No musical experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to make some joyful noise!
Destination Discovery (4-8) will take place on the following Saturday mornings from 9:15-10:00 am: 1/25, 2/15, 3/1, 3/22, and 4/12.
Destination Discovery (9-12) will take place on the following Saturday mornings from 10:15-11:00 am: 1/25, 2/15, 3/1, 3/22, and 4/12.

Music Makers
Recommended for ages 9-12: Led by our friends in the Music Therapy Department at Belmont University, Music Makers builds self-confidence while strengthening social, communication, and motor skills through therapeutic use of music and dance. Music Makers will take place on the following Thursdays from 5:00-6:00 pm: 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, and 4/17.
GiGi’s Kitchen: Kids (Ages 9-12)
Recommended for 9-12 year olds: is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack.
Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness!
GiGi’s Kitchen: Kids (9-12 years) will take place on the following Wednesdays 4:45-6pm: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/5, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, and 5/14.
Teen Tastic
Recommended for ages 13-17: Focuses on building social skills with friends with and without Down syndrome by participating in team-based activities in a casual and fun setting. Skill development includes understanding compromise, turn-taking, and problem-solving abilities. Teen Tastic will take place on the following Tuesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm: 1/21, 1/28, 2/24, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/28, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, and 5/13.

GiGi’s Kitchen: Teen
(Recommended for ages 13-17) is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness!
GiGi’s Kitchen: Teens will meet on the following Mondays from 6:30-8:00 pm: 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, and 5/12.
Yoga – Teen & Adult
Recommended for ages 13+: Helps your child develop healthy habits for a lifetime of wellness and happiness. Yoga gives children a practice and routine that integrates physical, mental, and emotional development. Yoga programs will help your child develop more personal awareness and learn specific strategies to maintain focus and manage their emotions and impulses. Yoga will take place on the following Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm: 1/23, 2/6, 2/20, 3/6, 3/20, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1, and 5/15.
Friends, Fun, & Fitness: CrossFit (Teen and Adult)
Recommended for ages 16+: Our CrossFit program promotes physical fitness and facilitates social interaction and positive peer relationships through purposeful physical activities for adolescents and adults. Our amazing volunteer Program Leaders pair participants from GiGi’s with volunteer fitness buddies to complete group workouts together. Fitness activities include squats, sit-ups, deadlifts, step-ups, burpees, push-ups, lunges, and more! CrossFit will take place on the following Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 pm: 1/30, 2/13, 2/27, 3/13, 3/27, and 4/10.
Please note: Friends, Fun, & Fitness: CrossFit meets at the “CrossFit Breakthrough” gym in West Nashville (5402 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209).
GiGi Prep
Participants must be 18+: Our GiGi Prep program has an emphasis on building communication skills, money management, customer service skills, team building and wellness. This program is an application-based program with high expectations to motivate adults with Down syndrome. Please complete the following to apply: GiGi Prep Application
GiGi Prep will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-1:30 pm. This program and its content are heavily influenced by the feedback and input received from families and participants within our local community. Our aim is to ensure we are addressing the needs of adults with Ds and assisting them in achieving their individual goals.
We can only accept 6 participants into this Adult Education program. Once 6 adults have registered, other participants who register will be added to a waitlist on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Denise at dbayles@gigisplayhouse.org or Emily at esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org.
Program dates: January: 21, 23, 28, 30; February: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27; March: 4, 6, 18, 20, 25, 27; April: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29; May: 1, 6, 8, 13, 15.

GiGi U
Participants must be 18+: A comprehensive and progressive learning program tailored specifically for adults with Down syndrome comprised of a 15-week session made up of 3-days per week instructional program. GiGi U is designed for motivated adults with Down syndrome to achieve their highest potential in the real world while developing their abilities in the areas of wellness, communication and career skills with emphasis on job interviewing, communication skills, money management, public speaking, customer service, computer skills, team building and health.
Please complete the following to apply: GiGi U Application
We can only accept 6 participants into this Adult Education program. Once 6 adults have registered, other participants who register will be added to a waitlist on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Denise at dbayles@gigisplayhouse.org or Emily at esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org.
Program dates: January: 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30; February: 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27; March: 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27; April: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30; May: 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15.
Fantastic Friends
Recommended for ages 18+: A fun, purposeful, and social gathering for adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community. Supports the development of social skills and language through peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. Fantastic Friends will take place on the following Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, and 5/14.
GiGi’s Kitchen: Adult
(Recommended for ages 18+: GiGi’s Kitchen: Adult is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness! GiGi’s Kitchen: Adult will meet on the following Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm: 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, and 5/13.
Volunteer Information

We are thrilled you are interested in volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville! Here are the different ways you can get involved:
Program Leader: The Program Leader plays an integral role within GiGi’s Playhouse Programs – to facilitate skill development activities and connect with families. It is preferred that the Program Leader has advanced education and/or training in the program subject, such as developmental therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, social work, special education, speech-language therapy, music, dance, art, or a related field.
Program Volunteers: This person will assist the program lead, and the number of volunteers depends on the size and type of program. Program volunteers just need a general knowledge of Down syndrome (which you can gain at the volunteer orientation)!
Literacy and Math Tutors: This is an exciting opportunity to help those with Down syndrome learn to read or do math! The time commitment per week is 1 hour plus prep time. We ask our tutors to commit to a 10-week session. You will work with Tracie and the family of the child you are tutoring to determine when you will meet for your session each week. For more information about literacy tutoring, click here. For more information on math tutoring, click here.
Host Family: The Host Family attends programs to support new families, assist others with check-in/check-out, and make all feel welcome at GiGi’s. Please reach out to our Program & Community Outreach Coordinator, Traci, at tgrace@gigisplayhouse.org if you are interested in being a Host Family!
For any questions about Fall 2024 Programs or the registration process please email:
Programs Manager: Emily, esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org
Tutoring & Volunteer Coordinator: Tracie, tmichelson@gigisplayhouse.org
Program & Community Outreach Coordinator: Traci, tgrace@gigisplayhouse.org
General Contact: nashville@gigisplayhouse.org
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