Meet Ms. Stephanie!

We are excited to introduce you to our new Leaps & Bounds Program Leader, Stephanie Witt!

We asked Stephanie to share a little bit about herself and below is what she had to say.

Hello, families! I am so excited to be joining GiGi’s Playhouse this summer as the leader of Leaps and Bounds! I can’t wait to sing, dance, and be a part of your child learning new things, all while having fun!

I grew up in Andalusia, IL, graduating from Rockridge High School in 1996. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in science from Clarke College (now University) Dubuque, IA, in 2000. Since graduating college, I have been a teacher, home child care provider, center director, child care consultant, and trainer…truly feels like I’ve done it all! Yet, there’s always more! Having seen on Facebook all of the wonderful things GiGi’s Playhouse does for children and families and volunteering a few times at the JDC,  I had no hesitation in saying yes when my good friend, Pam (you’re amazing site director), asked if I’d be interested in leading a program this summer. Having the opportunity to work with both children and their families really drew me to this program. Being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet, but can also be one of the most difficult and trying at times. I believe surrounding oneself with people who are on the same train, even though they may be riding in different carts at times, is crucial to getting through this crazy thing called life!

A little bit more about me…I currently live in Bettendorf with my boyfriend, Carter, and our two poodles, Lucky and Lily. My youngest daughter, Alyssa, will be a senior this fall at BHS and my oldest, Madeline, will be a sophomore at Concordia University in Mequon, WI. When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family, having dinner with friends, working my Mary Kay business, and most recently, attending Body Pump classes.

I look forward to getting to know all of you and your children over the next few weeks. If there’s anything you’d like to share about you and your family, how your child learns best, or just need a listening ear, I’d love to chat!

Last week was the first week of the summer Leaps & Bounds session and we all had so much fun!

Check out this short video of the group acting out animal movements and sounds.

Leaps & Bounds is a play-based program for children that focuses on success in preschool and kindergarten. Students will participate in fun and engaging activities that provide opportunities for following routines, small group participation, movement, and interaction with their environment. Family members are key participants in this program and will encourage their child to reach his or her Best of All throughout each session.  Recommended for ages 3-5 year olds.

Learn more about all programs offered here at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities by visiting the website.