Registration for Spring 2026 1:1 Tutoring and Group Programs is Now Open!
Registration for our FREE therapeutic-based and educational programming in Brentwood this spring is open! We’d love to have you join us as a participant or volunteer.
The spring semester begins on January 12 and wraps up on May 16. Further information on exact offerings and dates is listed below.
We have one big exciting change this semester. When registering make sure you check out which location the program will be held! Suite #400 is the current playhouse and Suite #300 is our new space right next door! (formerly known as the karate studio)
One-on-One Educational Tutoring
Our Program 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
Dates: Saturdays: 1/31, 2/21, 3/14, 4/11, 5/9 | Time: 10:00-11:00 AM | Location: Suite #400
Recommended for ages 0-36 months: 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.
Music Makers Early Learners (0-5 years)
Dates: Tuesdays. 1/13 – 4/28. Will not meet 3/3, Last Class 4/28 | Time: 9:00-10:00 AM | Location: Suite #400
Recommended for ages birth-5, Music Makers is a playful and engaging program for young children with Down syndrome and their families. Little ones and their grown-ups will explore the joy of music through movement, rhythm, and connection. Each session includes songs, instruments, and hands-on activities that support early communication, motor skills, social bonding, and self-expression. Whether it’s clapping, swaying, shaking, or singing, every moment is designed to spark creativity and support developmental growth in a fun, welcoming environment.
No musical experience needed, just bring your smiles, your wiggles, and your love for music!
Music Makers (8-12 years)
Dates: Tuesdays. 1/13-4/28. Will not meet 3/3, Last Class 4/28 | Time: 5:00-6:00 pm | Location: Suite #300
Where every voice shines and every beat inspires! 🥁✨ Recommended for ages 8–12, this interactive program uses the power of music to build confidence, social skills, and creativity. Led by students from Belmont University’s Music Therapy Department, kids will groove, play, and connect as they strengthen motor skills, boost language development, and discover the joy of making music together. No musical experience needed, just bring your energy and love for music. 🎤🎹
STEM Lab Kids- ages 8 -12
Dates: Wednesdays starting 1/14. | Time: 5:00-6:00 PM | Location: Suite #400
STEM Lab Kids is an engaging and dynamic group program that nurtures essential developmental skills through hands-on exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This program fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving while developing cognitive skills and building confidence. STEM Lab empowers individuals with Down syndrome to explore STEM concepts in a fun, supportive and interactive environment through experiments, creative challenges, and innovative problem-solving tasks.
GiGiFit Kids: ages 6-9
Dates: Thursdays starting 1/15. | Time: 5:00-6:00 PM | Location: Suite #300
Get moving, growing, and having fun with GiGiFIT Kids! This program combines strength, balance, and coordination activities to help kids build confidence, connect with peers, and develop a lifelong love of movement. Every session is energetic, purposeful, and packed with games and exercises kids actually enjoy.
Dates: Saturdays: 1/31, 2/21, 3/14, 4/11 | Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am | Location: Suite #300
We’re back with our friends from Belmont University’s Music Education Department! This Spring, Belmont’s talented music education students are joining us for Saturday morning fun for kids ages 5–12. Kids will explore rhythm, melody, and creative expression through playful, hands-on activities that spark teamwork, imagination, and a love for music. With Belmont students leading the way, participants will learn, play, and connect in a fun, encouraging environment. No musical experience? No problem! Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to make some joyful noise!
GiGi’s Kitchen Teen *only 8 spots available*
Dates: Tuesdays. Time: 6:30-8:00 pm | Location: Suite #400
Recommended for ages 13-17: GiGi’s Kitchen Teen 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!
GiGiFit Teen
Dates: Thursdays: 1/15, 1/29, 2/12, 2/26, 3/12, 3/26, 4/9 | Time: 6:30-7:30 PM | Location: Suite #300
Teens, get ready to move, challenge yourself, and feel stronger than ever! GiGiFIT Teen is a fun, hands-on program where participants improve strength, balance, endurance, and coordination through age-appropriate exercises. Each session is designed to help teens grow confidence, push through personal barriers, and build a strong foundation for overall wellness — all while having fun and moving with friends.
Teen Tastic
Dates: Tuesdays | Time: 5:00-6:00 pm | Location: Suite #400
For teens who like fun, friends, and new adventures! Teen Tastic is the place to hang out, get creative, and dive into activities YOU choose. From crafts and games to theme nights and hands-on challenges, every week is packed with laughter, learning, and social connection. Teens will grow their communication, teamwork, and life skills — all while having a blast and making memories with friends.
Dates: Mondays every other week starting 1/19. | Time: 5:00-6:00 PM | Location: Suite #400
SHiNE Dance Fitness™ brings original routines to life using hit music and choreography for all abilities. Rooted in jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, this workout gives you a creative outlet with the perfect balance of cardio and dance. SHiNE is a mood-lifting experience that leaves you feeling capable, confident, and connected.
GiGiMOVE: CrossFit (Teens & Adults)
Dates: Thursdays. 1/29, 2/12, 2/26, 3/12, 3/26, 4/9, 4/23, 5/7 | Time: 6:30-7:30 pm | Location: Offsite: CrossFit Breakthrough Gym 5402 Charlotte Ave Nashville, TN 37209
Join us at CrossFit for a fun and supportive fitness experience! Our program isn’t just about working out, it’s about pushing yourself, celebrating progress, and building friendships. With every squat, push-up, and new challenge, you’ll work alongside a fitness buddy, sharing laughter and achievements along the way. It’s one of GiGi’s Nashville’s most beloved programs, designed to make fitness enjoyable while you grow stronger and more confident.
GiGi Prep: ages 18+
* only 6 spots available*
GiGi Prep empowers adults with Down syndrome to grow in confidence, independence, and life skills. Participants 18+ will develop skills in communication, money management, customer service, teamwork, and wellness, guided by GiGi’s pillars: Confident U, Healthy U, Whole U. The program is goal-oriented and designed to help participants achieve their best while building independence and confidence.
GiGi Prep is the first step in GiGi’s adult education sequence. After completing GiGi Prep, participants can move on to GiGi U to further develop and master skills in preparation for real-world opportunities. Upon completing GiGi U, participants can apply for GiGi Professional, a career-focused internship program where they gain hands-on experience, certifications, and practical skills in office, retail, or production environments.
Thanks to our new space, this Spring, participants can choose either Monday and Wednesday evenings or Tuesday and Thursday afternoons based on what works best for their schedule. If you register, you are committing to attending both sessions each week (M/W 5:00–8:00 PM or Tu/Th 1:00–4:00 PM). There are only 6 spots available for each session.
Evening Group
Mondays and Wednesdays · 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Dates: Starting 1/12, ending 4/8.
Location: Suite #300
Afternoon Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays · 1:00–4:00 PM
Dates: Starting 1/13, ending 4/9.
Location: Suite #400
GiGi U *only 6 spots available*
Dates: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays | Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 PM | Location: Suite #400
GiGi U is a dynamic, application-based program for motivated adults with Down syndrome (18+) that fosters personal growth and practical skills in a supportive, goal-oriented environment. Participants build confidence, wellness, communication, and career skills, with a strong focus on job interviewing, money management, public speaking, customer service, computer skills, team building, and overall health. Whether your goal is to enhance career skills or develop a healthier lifestyle, GiGi U helps each adult reach their full potential.
GiGi U is the second step in GiGi’s adult education sequence. After completing GiGi Prep (as many times as needed!), participants can move on to GiGi U to further develop and master skills in preparation for real-world opportunities. Upon completing GiGi U, participants can apply for GiGi Professional, a career-focused internship program where they gain hands-on experience, certifications, and practical skills in offices, retail, design studios, or production environments. Each semester of GiGi U is unique, and participants are welcome to enroll multiple times to continue developing new skills and achieving personal goals.
Exact days and times for GiGi Professional will depend on each participant and their internship placement. Once an internship has been finalized, GiGi’s staff will communicate what days/times their shifts will be.
GiGi Professional is a career-focused internship program for adults 18+ with Down syndrome. Building on the skills learned in GiGi U, participants gain hands-on experience and practical training in offices, retail spaces, and more. Each 13-week internship is personalized to the participant’s interests and goals, with two 4-hour shifts per week scheduled individually.
During the internship, participants work through certifications, develop and demonstrate strengths in transferable job skills, and build their resume to prepare for meaningful employment or volunteer opportunities in the community. This program is designed to help participants apply what they’ve learned, gain confidence in professional settings, and grow as leaders and role models.
Whether it’s an office, retail environment, a design studio, or a production space, GiGi’s career internship programs build on the skills learned in GiGi U with practical applications and the achievement of certifications. During each 13-week internship, participants with Down syndrome will purposefully progress through certifications; learning and demonstrating strengths and interests in transferable job skills, building their resume for placement in a job or volunteer position in the community. Pre-req: GiGi U. Recommended for Adults 18+.
Aside from GiGi Professional, We can only accept 6 participants into each Adult Education program. Once 6 adults have registered for each program, other participants who register will be added to a waitlist on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions about any GiGi Professional program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Emily, Program Manager, at esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org, or Denise, Executive Director, at dbayles@gigisplayhouse.org.
Fantastic Friends
Dates: Wednesdays | Time: 6:30-8:00 PM | Location: Suite #400
Fantastic Friends is all about making connections, having fun, and doing what YOU love. From exciting group activities to engaging games, every session is packed with laughter and purpose. You’ll get the chance to chat, play, try new things, and stay active with games that get you moving. With a focus on building social skills, boosting conversation, and simply having a good time, Fantastic Friends is the place to be for new experiences, lasting friendships, and plenty of fun!
GiGi’s Kitchen Adult * only 8 spots available*
Dates: Mondays. | Time: 6:30-8:00 PM | Location: Suite #400
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, cooking techniques, and nutrition.
GiGiFit Adult
Dates: Every other Thursdays starting 1/22. | Time: 6:30-7:30 PM | Location: Suite #300
Get ready to move, strengthen, and feel your best! GiGiFIT Adult is a hands-on program for adults 18+ that combines strength, balance, endurance, and movement exercises in a fun, supportive environment. Each session focuses on building confidence, improving fitness, and promoting overall wellness — all while moving at your own pace and celebrating progress.
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 9-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 Coordinator, Tracie, at tmichelson@gigisplayhouse.org if you are interested in being a Host Family!
For any questions about Spring 2026 Programs or the registration process please email:
Program Manager: Emily, esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org
Program Coordinator: Tracie, tmichelson@gigisplayhouse.org
General Contact: nashville@gigisplayhouse.org
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