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 3^rd 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 brother. Prior to graduate school, he received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Jay’s interest in the field of Occupational Therapy was sparked during childhood after he underwent rehabilitative services following an accident that involved his right hand. After experiencing firsthand the wholistic approach and benefits of occupational therapy, it became his desire to spread this type of care onto others. Through means of shadowing opportunities and fieldwork experiences (Novacare Pediatrics, MarianJoy Rehab, Edward Hospital, Silver Cross Hospital, ManorCare Health, UIC Pediatrics, & Athletico), Jay has worked with individuals across the life-span and has been exposed to a variety of conditions and ailments. Jay’s passion for integration, equal participation, and children with special needs is what has guided him to collaborate with GiGi’s Playhouse. Jay strongly believes that the social opportunities and interactions that are experienced in childhood have major implications towards the social competence and self-esteem that we develop and eventually carry into adulthood.

Jay will be helping with a variety of tasks here at the Playhouse including the upcoming gala. We’re sure you will see him at your favorite program too! Stay tuned though because he has some great ideas that we will hopefully see come to light later this spring! (Hint: If you like sports and want your loved one to be introduced to some sports skills, you’ll be excited!)