
A Site Manager’s DS Story
Marissa Chavez, GiGi's Playhouse San Diego - My DS Story Thinking back to over a year ago, I would have never thought I'd be serving folks with Down syndrome in the manner I do now but I am certainly happy for this opportunity and all the wonderful experiences along the...

Participant Spotlight – Esther
Dynamic Tutoring Duo Featuring Esther and Celeste Esther getting ready for tutoring We often see and hear great things going on in the Playhouse especially during the Math and Literacy Tutor/Tutee season. Esther and Celeste have certainly developed that special bond during their Literacy Tutoring sessions. Esther has been coming...

Volunteer Spotlight – Solei
Youth Board Volunteer Solei Have you ever wonder what its like to be a volunteer at GiGi's Playhouse San Diego from a youth's standpoint? Well we have a that right here for you. Welcome to our awesome Youth Board Volunteer Solei! She's such a power house! Solei during Summer Open...

Shep’s Steps to Best of All
Shepard aka Shep, has been coming to the Playhouse since 2018 when he was about 2 years old, participating in LMNOP, Crawlers & Walkers, Music Therapy, Kids Club, and Playhouse Pals. Just this year, Shep started Literacy Tutoring with Mrs. Jeri. Shep is very energetic and lively during sessions, where...

Volunteer Spotlight – Meet Patricia
Patricia and Nick Patricia discovered GiGi’s Playhouse from a news event covering the Donut Run back in 2022. "My husband and I decided it was a great way to show our support for the Down Syndrome community.After participating in the run, I felt I wanted to find a way to...

Participants Best of All – GiGi’s Kitchen Participants
GiGi's Kitchen Gives Back During Volunteer Appreciation Participates serve Volunteers Our first ever GiGi's Kitchen gives back was a huge success! Over this last GiGi's Kitchen session, the participants got to put their hard earned skills into action. Earlier in the session they learned how to garden simple lettuce, kale...

Participant’s Best of All
GiGi's Kitchen Participant's Complete Spring Session!! GiGi's Kitchen is designed to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early exposure to practical cooking skills. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants are encouraged to engage in activities designed to promote healthy eating habits, kitchen safety awareness, food preparation skills,...

Volunteer Spotlight – Elizabeth
Have you met our OG Volunteer Elizabeth??? If you haven't, well here's your opportunity to learn some wonderful things about her! Elizabeth is one of our founding families and Volunteer Lead of Teen Tastic (ages 13-17) group that focuses on social skills and team building activities). She brings with her...

Participants Best of All – Our GFAC Donut Run Kid Dashers for Down Syndrome
GFAC Donut Run Kid Dashers for Down Syndrome Isabella, Carmen and Dashers with medals This years GFAC Donut Run was by far the biggest event for GiGi's Playhouse San Diego and with that being said the Kid Dasher's for Down Syndrome were out showing all participants how to get this...

Volunteer Spotlight – Nick
Nick's Tutor Sporting Connections It's those little sparks between people that build meaningful connections and one of our wonderful volunteers has honed in on that connectedness and ran with it. Meet our awesome volunteer Nick C. Nick has been a volunteer here at GiGi's Playhouse San Diego since June 2022...

Tutoring at GiGi’s San Diego: 5 Myths and Facts
(Repost from our GiGi's Playhouse Madison and Fargo - sister locations) We Want You As we jump into summer 2023 tutoring in June, we are expecting a high number of applications from our families. Our Tutoring applications are open. Summer sessions runs from June 20 - August 28. Tutors and...

Volunteer Spotlight – Sensei Amanda
The Truly Unique Sensei Amanda Karate Kickers Sensei Amanda has a passion for utilizing her skills in teaching our participants how to effectively protect themselves while learning the fine art of Karate. Amanda leads our Karate Kickers Program, making sure participants are following all safety protocols and respecting each others...