Meet Marika

Some of you may have met Marika in the past couple of months. She volunteered for a short internship this spring (she was at Gala) and has come back as a summer Intern. She will be overseeing the Music Therapy program as well as Fantastic Friends and helping at the...

Summer 2019 Tutoring

Summer 2019 Tutoring kicks off this week! We are so excited to have 19 weekly one-on-one programming sessions on the schedule. This is made possible thanks to the volunteer tutors that will be providing the free tutoring sessions to individuals ages 2.5 years up to 18! Yes, up to 18!!...

Memories & Connections

To all my friends at the Quad Cities Playhouse, I want to say ‘thank you’ for allowing me to be a part of your GiGi’s family. From the moment I walked in, I have been greeted with nothing but warm smiles and open arms from everyone I’ve met. This experience...

13 Tips from an Occupational Therapist

For Occupational Therapists, one of our major concerns is helping people to be functionally independent with their daily tasks and routines – i.e. dressing, grooming, bathing, feeding, schoolwork etc. As my internship at GiGi’s is coming to an end, I wanted to take a moment to briefly review all of...

June Happenings at Quad Cities Playhouse

June 2019 Music Therapy (Birth-3 years & 4-8 years) Come move, sing, and play instruments with us as we address communication, following directions, and so much more! These music therapy sessions are provided by West Music and a board-certified music therapist! Register for this 10-week music therapy session. RSVPs are required...

5-4-3-2-1 Mindfulness

Anxiety is a perfectly normal human response that the body has developed as a part of our adaptive system to tell us when we are in danger. This means that when we are looking to deal with our anxiety we are never trying to eliminate it, but instead manage it....

Through the Eyes of an Occupational Therapist

As someone who has chosen to become an Occupational Therapist (OT), I am used to people not knowing exactly what I do. Often times, people assume that my responsibility is to help others find their own jobs/occupations – other times; I just receive blank stares as I attempt to give...

Please help us welcome Ali to the team!

Ali Schnerre, Site Assistant Ali joined our team this past Monday and we are thrilled to have her here at GiGi's Playhouse Quad Cities. Ali was born and raised right here in the Quad Cities. She currently lives in East Moline, IL with family and their beagle, Mo. Ali recently...

W sitting

What is W-Sitting? A child is in a W-Sitting position when they are sitting on their bottom with both knees bent and their legs rotated away from the body If you stand above the child and look down, it looks like their legs are forming a “W” Why do Kids...

Volunteer Awards Presented at 2019 Gala

In 2018, GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities logged close to 2000 volunteer hours with volunteers performing various roles within the Playhouse.  From math and literacy tutors, social and therapeutic program leaders, event committee members to those who so generously assist with cleaning and maintaining our Playhouse, we appreciate you all. Every...

Meet Jay

Please help us welcome Jay Manix to GiGi's QC! He is going to be an intern here for the next 16 weeks. Jay is a 3rd year student in St. Ambrose University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. Jay is originally from Aurora, IL where he lives with his parents and younger...

2019 Gala Award Nominees

The annual gala is not only a fundraiser it is a night to recognize and celebrate our volunteers. There will be awards! Did you know that GiGi’s is over 90% volunteer run? Without volunteers we could never do what we do. Below is a list of individuals that have gone...