Until Next Time

Many of you met our friend Kathryn at the Playhouse this summer.

We’re sad to see her internship come to an end. We asked her to share a little about her experience and below is what she had to say!

My name is Kathryn Benshish, and I just completed my summer internship at GiGi’s Playhouse. I am a rising senior at Augustana College, and I am majoring in Psychology and Sociology. I chose to do my internship here because I am wanting to work in a school in the future, but I am not sure in what capacity (school counselor, school psychologist, or school social worker?). I was hoping that this experience would allow me to explore my vocational interests. I also wanted to learn more about Down syndrome and how to best support and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome in the school setting. I worked at the Playhouse every week this summer, and I learned SO much and got to meet so many wonderful people. If you were involved at the Playhouse over the summer I am sure we had a chance to meet, even briefly!

Throughout my internship, I was able to get involved in so many ways! Aside from helping around the Playhouse, I also tutored in literacy, math, and handwriting. These experiences were amazing, and I really enjoyed seeing the students I had every week. In addition to tutoring, I also got involved with many of the programs this summer, such as GiGi FIT Toddler, LMNOP, Playhouse Pals, Teen/Adult Drumming, and Fantastic Friends/Teen Tastic. I’d have to say that a highlight of my involvement in the programs at  GiGi’s was the Fantastic Friends/Teen Tastic Luau!

I am so thankful for having the opportunity to get to know so many of the families and volunteers involved at GiGi’s through my involvement in all of these programs. I learned more than I could have imagined during my time here, and I enjoyed every second of it!

Lastly, I feel that it is important to mention that what really made my experience at GiGi’s so meaningful to me is all of the people who are involved at the playhouse. I am so thankful for everyone being so welcoming and so supportive of me during my internship. Participants, families, volunteers, and of course Pam and Ann made this internship so meaningful and purposeful to me, and I am so thankful for it! I am looking forward to volunteering at GiGi’s in the future!

We hope that Kathryn will come back to visit and volunteer more in the future.

Until next time…we wish her nothing but the best!