Welcome Spring 2025 Interns

We are excited to welcome several interns this spring for their internship. You may have seen the welcome back blog post for Maddie. If you missed it, it is linked here. Maddie will lead several programs this spring as part of her Occupational Therapy capstone project.

In addition to having Maddie here this spring, we have 3 additional interns from St Ambrose University. Each intern has been assigned their roles for the spring and we hope you will introduce yourself if you see them around the Playhouse.

Erika

“Hello! My name is Erika Contreras, and I’m so excited to be joining GiGi’s QC as a marketing intern this spring. I’m currently a senior at St. Ambrose University, and I’ll be graduating this May with my bachelor’s degree in marketing. I’ve lived in the Quad Cities my whole life and am proud to come from a bilingual, Mexican-American family. Growing up, I learned how important it is to build connections and celebrate diversity, which is something I hope to carry into my work here at GiGi’s QC. Being part of an organization that empowers individuals and brings families together is truly inspiring, and I’m excited to contribute in any way I can. Outside of school and work, I love exploring new places around the QC, spending time with friends and family, and finding ways to be creative whether it’s through designing, or trying out new activities. I can’t wait to meet the families and learn from the amazing team here!

Erika will mostly be working behind the scenes assisting with graphic creation and other marketing needs.

Kloe

Hi everyone! My name is Kloe Norris and I am so excited to be a part of the Spring 2025 intern program at GiGi’s! I am originally from Manito, IL, which is a very small town in the heart of Illinois. I am currently a junior at St. Ambrose University and I will be attending the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program next fall. I chose Occupational Therapy because I have always loved helping others and helping them achieve their goals. In my free time I love to make crafts, hang out with my dog named Milo, and spend time with my family and friends.

I chose GiGi’s Playhouse as my placement for this semester because I have previous experience of helping people who have Down syndrome. My childhood best friend was diagnosed with Down syndrome and I would always make sure she was working hard to achieve the goals she had for herself. I am super excited to be a part of GiGi’s team and I cannot wait to meet and interact with the families!

Kloe will be assisting with group programs while here with us this spring.

Isabelle

I am Isabelle, a current undergraduate student at St. Ambrose University, volunteering at GiGi’s for my practicum course. In the future, I plan on becoming an Occupational Therapist. I am originally from West Des Moines, Iowa. I am interested in learning more about GiGi’s and I am looking forward to meeting everyone! 

Isabelle will be tutoring two participants and assisting with various group programs while here this spring.

We are honored to have this continued partnership with St Ambrose University and to have students continue to choose GiGi’s as part of their education journey.