Meet the Interns Fall 2025

We’re a little late in doing this introduction, but we hope you’ve all had a chance to meet our current interns. They have all been busy leading programs and/or tutoring since late August.

Isabella

Hi! My name is Isabella Hart, and I am so excited to be interning at GiGi’s Playhouse this semester! I grew up in the Quad Cities and earned my associate’s degree from Black Hawk Community College before continuing my education at St. Ambrose University. This is my final semester before graduation, and I am completing my practicum/capstone course here at GiGi’s. After St. Ambrose, I plan to pursue my master’s degree in counseling/therapy.

I have had such a wonderful time getting to know everyone and helping with programs like GiGiFIT and Dance Kids. When I’m not at school or the Playhouse, I love spending time at home with my three golden retrievers, going on outdoor walks (usually with my most social dog!), and hanging out with my friends and family. I am so grateful to GiGi’s for giving me a space to learn, connect, and grow alongside so many inspiring individuals.

Calista

We were happy to welcome Calista back for a second time!

Hello! My name is Calista Smith, and I’m excited to be back at GiGi’s as a Speech-Language Pathology Intern. I am working to finish up my bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Augustana College. I will be graduating this December! I have lived in the Quad Cities area for about 5 years now. I am a mother to my energetic 1.5-year-old son, Conway. During my free time, I enjoy going to the park with my son, crocheting, watching TV or cooking with my fiancé, and spending time with family and friends. My favorite thing about GiGi’s is the community and care that GiGi’s provides for the many families that walk through their doors.

Colleen

Colleen Cranston’s internship has technically come to an end for the second time. However, she is continuing on while working on a special research project in an effort to build more community awareness for GiGi’s! She has been volunteering in various capacities, including the gala, program assistants, and tutoring, too! We appreciate her love of GiGi’s and her enthusiasm for making sure the community knows more about GiGi’s!

When someone interns here at GiGi’s, it often allows us to offer programs we don’t typically have, while also giving our interns a friendly and supportive environment where they can learn and grow right alongside our participants. We hope you appreciate them just as much as we do!