Participant Spotlight: Nana’s Literacy Tutoring Journey at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego

At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, our one-on-one tutoring program is one of the many FREE educational programs we offer to help individuals with Down syndrome build confidence, independence, and lifelong learning skills. Through personalized literacy tutoring, participants strengthen reading, comprehension, communication, and memory skills, all of which play an important role in everyday life.

Today, we’re excited to highlight Nana, one of our adult participants, who is actively involved in many of our programs, including GiGi’s Kitchen, and has served as a GiGi’s Playhouse ambassador at the San Diego People First Conference. Today we are going to highlight her dedication to weekly literacy tutoring sessions and how it shows just how powerful consistent learning and support can be. With the help of her tutor Mary and the encouragement of her family, Nana continues to grow her reading skills while gaining confidence and independence along the way.

Discovering GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego

Nana’s sister, Shweta, first discovered GiGi’s Playhouse while searching online for resources for individuals with Down syndrome in San Diego.

“We found GiGi’s through a Google search a few years ago while looking for programs and support in the area,” she shared.

When Shweta began to notice changes in Nana’s cognitive and reading abilities as she got older, she knew tutoring could make a meaningful difference.

“We noticed a decline in Nana’s cognitive and reading abilities as she has been aging. I didn’t want that to become an additional hindrance to her independence. As with all of us, if we keep learning, we stay mentally active and vigilant. That was my goal for her going into this.”

The Power of Literacy Tutoring

Literacy tutoring is especially important for individuals with Down syndrome because reading and comprehension skills support communication, independence, and long-term cognitive health. Regular practice helps strengthen memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, while also giving participants the confidence to apply their skills in real-world situations.

For Nana, those real-life moments are some of the most meaningful.

“She loves her sessions and looks forward to them every week,” Shweta shared. “She does all the reading she can to prepare, and she’s been working on spelling that Mary assigns her. She finds great joy and independence when she can apply her reading skills in real life, like ordering food or coffee, reading flyers, or going through the mail.”

Shweta says their experience with tutoring at GiGi’s has been nothing but positive.

“No complaints! Our tutoring experience has been fantastic.”

A Special Bond Between Tutor and Participant

Volunteer tutors are at the heart of our literacy program, and Nana’s tutor, Mary, says the experience has been just as meaningful for her.

Mary first connected with GiGi’s Playhouse while looking for a consistent volunteer opportunity.

“I was looking for a regular weekly service opportunity and saw that GiGi’s was within walking distance of my apartment at the time. I’ve always loved how individuals with Down syndrome interact with and see the world, so I wanted to get involved.”

With a background in tutoring and medical education, Mary felt that literacy tutoring was a natural fit.

“Part of my job is helping simplify information so it can be better understood, and that has always felt rewarding. Tutoring felt like the perfect way to use those skills.”

Mary and Nana have now been working together for well over a year, and the progress has been remarkable.

“The difference is truly incredible. She works so hard. Sometimes I bring back a book we read a year ago just to see the progress, and it’s night and day. Her recall, attention, and reading level have improved significantly.”

Mary believes Nana’s growth is the result of consistency, support, and staying engaged in learning.

“It’s likely the combination of GiGi’s, her day program, and everything Shweta keeps her involved in. Every session is a little different, but she keeps improving.”

More Than Tutoring

While literacy skills are the goal, the impact goes far beyond reading. Tutoring builds relationships, confidence, and a sense of pride for both the participant and the volunteer.

For Mary, her weekly session with Nana is the highlight of her week.

“Tutoring Nana is truly the best part of my week. I could be having a busy or stressful day, and that hour always provides a reset and a perspective of gratitude, with LOTS of smiles.”

She also shared what stands out most about GiGi’s Playhouse as a whole.

“I’d say the consistency. There’s so much dedication from the staff and volunteers, and so much pride within the community. You can really feel it.”

Why Literacy Tutoring Matters

Programs like literacy tutoring help individuals with Down syndrome maintain and build skills that support independence throughout adulthood. Reading, writing, and comprehension are essential for daily activities, from navigating the community to communicating with others to continuing to learn new things at any age.

Nana’s story is a perfect example of what can happen when individuals are given the opportunity, support, and encouragement to keep growing. Through hard work, consistency, and the power of community, she continues to strengthen her skills and confidence every week.

At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, we are proud to offer free one-on-one tutoring and educational programs for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, because lifelong learning should always be possible.

Support Programs Like Literacy Tutoring
Stories like Nana’s are possible because of the generosity of donors and volunteers who believe in the power of lifelong learning. Your support allows GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego to continue offering FREE tutoring and educational programs for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages.
👉 Donate today to help us continue changing lives.

Get Involved — Become a Tutor or Sign Up for Tutoring
Our one-on-one tutoring program is always growing! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, or if your family member with Down syndrome could benefit from literacy or math tutoring, we would love to hear from you.
👉 Learn more about literacy tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego.