Participant Spotlight: From Dance Floors to Drawing Boards – John’s Journey of Connection and Creativity at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego

Have you ever met someone whose energy is simply contagious? The kind of person who walks into a room and instantly lifts everyone’s spirits with their warmth, enthusiasm, and kindness? Some people have a way of making the world bright just by being themselves!  

At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, we are lucky to have John as a part of our community. Whether it’s through a welcoming smile, encouraging word, or invitation to join the dance floor, John reminds us all of the power of kindness and inclusion! 

John found GiGi’s Playhouse through his friend and fellow participant Alicia, who he met through a community bike event. He and Alicia spend a lot of time together outside GiGi’s, and he is excited for the opportunity to build their friendship at the Playhouse as well!  

When asked what he likes about GiGi’s, John noted that he “can be himself “and “appreciates the supportive environment,” which makes the playhouse “feel like a family.” For John, each letter in the GiGi’s name represents a different feeling he experiences at the playhouse, including “Gorgeous, Intelligent, Goofy, Independent, and Successful!” 

John is a regular at Fantastic Friends, one of GiGi’s Playhouse’s free social program for adults with Down syndrome and their peers. It’s a space where friendships grow, creativity flows, and community thrives. John says the program has helped him “open up to a new group of people while trying new things.” His favorite activities so far? Dancing and working on art projects. He even has a creative suggestion for the Playhouse: “Add an art class where participants can learn more about realistic watercolor and drawing.”

Programs like Fantastic Friends are incredibly beneficial for individuals with Down syndrome. Through fun, purposeful activities, participants build vital social, communication, and motor skills in a relaxed, inclusive environment. Whether it’s practicing conversation skills, participating in fitness activities, or exploring new leisure interests, the program supports increased confidence, independence, and connection. It’s more than just a gathering—it’s a place where adults with Down syndrome can grow, express themselves, and experience belonging alongside their peers and community.

Valerie, the Fantastic Friends program lead, says John’s presence makes a big impact:

“John walks into the playhouse and lights up the room with his positive energy. He is so fun to be around and always has creative ideas to make our gatherings even better. We’re so happy he’s part of our community!” 

Outside of GiGi’s, John remains deeply involved in his local community. His journey has included being an assistant teacher, a natural healer, and now, an adaptive Tai Chi instructor. This newest role is especially close to his heart. He hopes to help his students “learn to love themselves from the inside out.” GiGi’s participant and friend Alicia is one of John’s many students who benefit from his martial arts instruction and words of encouragement!  

John’s passion for connection, creativity, and wellness radiates in everything he does. His ability to lift others and foster joy is a beautiful reminder of the power of inclusion, kindness, and community.

At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, we celebrate individuals like John — whose light doesn’t just shine, but inspires others to shine too!

A huge thank you to John for sharing his experience and we can’t wait to see what amazing things he continues accomplishes! We hope John’s story encourages others to take a chance, try something different, and realize how much they’re capable of.

Whether you’re looking to join a program like Fantastic Friends or just learning about GiGi’s Playhouse, we’d love to welcome you! Check out our program calendar to see what’s coming up, and if you’re new to GiGi’s, reach out to us at sandiego@gigisplayhouse.org to schedule a tour and experience our incredible community firsthand. We can’t wait to meet you!