Participant Spotlight: Denise Kiernan
It’s time for another Participant Spotlight. This week we celebrate Denise Kiernan! Denise joined the GiGi’s NYC community last summer for our Summer Horizons program and has been actively involved ever since! Denise shares her kindness and joy in every program she participates, and is always willing to help in any way she can. We hope you enjoy learning more about Denise in this Participant Spotlight.
When did you join the GiGi’s Playhouse NYC community?
I first joined in Summer 2020 for Summer Horizons, when my mom signed me up.
How old are you?
I am 22 years old!
What GiGi’s NYC programs do you attend?
Best Buddies with Columbia University, Gratitude Art Committee, GiGiKitchen, Summer Horizons, GiGiFIT, Yoga, Leaders in Communication, and many more!
What program is your favorite / has been the most impactful to you?
Gratitude Art Committee. I love doing art!
You are a very talented artist, Denise. A portrait you drew was featured on the oversized postcard GiGi’s NYC sent to many of our donors, celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2021. It was beautiful. That’s quite an achievement. Congratulations!
What does GiGi’s NYC mean to you?
Having fun and getting exercise.
What have you gained from our programs?
I can now do a pushup!
What do you look forward to doing at the Playhouse once we can safely gather there again?
I hope we can cook something healthy together.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
Making bracelets and relaxing.
Can you share an example of how you represent what Down syndrome is today, which increases awareness and acceptance?
Showing the world that I can stand up for myself!
What would you like to see from GiGi’s NYC in the future? Do you have any ideas for new programs or special events?
I would like to have a bake sale!
Denise, thank you for this opportunity to learn more about you and share with our community your passion and talent. You are an inspiration to us and to the world, and we love your idea about holding a bake sale! Please join us in thanking Denise for her wonderful participation and contributions to GiGi’s NYC!
Recent Posts
This is your mom. I am so very proud of all that you can do! GiGi’s NYC has been a life saver during all of this pandemic nonsense. Parent support is great. I wish I had know about GiGi’s years ago. Denise has made
Many nice new friends. Anita from Access VR told us about GiGi’s I can’t thank her enough.
Denise it is so wonderful to have you as part of our community!! you are making such a difference in all of our lives and to the community as a whole !! so happy you and your family are a part of Gigi’s NYC
Denise, you are so amazing! I love how involved you are in our community and how much you’ve gained from our programs. We have gained so much from you, too. We are so lucky you found us!
We love having you, Denise! So glad you found us!
Denise, you are such a talented artist and I am so thrilled to see you part of our wonderful community! It was great seeing your artwork displayed on our WDSD postcard which was sent to all our donors and families! Happy to hear that exercise is just as important and you can do push-ups, not easy even for me!
All the Best,
Yamira & Malik