Volunteer Spotlight, Veronica – Literacy Coordinator | GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse

This past year we found (or should we say she found us) a young woman ready to volunteer, with a huge heart, passion to see individuals with Down syndrome be their Best of All and the willingness to step into a role that had been filled by the amazing Mary Carroll.  We found a new Literacy Coordinator and we hit the jackpot (again)!  As we are getting ready to kick off our super fun Summer Backpack Buddies Program (find info on how to sign up at the bottom of page) we wanted you all to get to know Veronica.

Reading is important! We can all agree on that, right?

Reading is a vital life skill where doors, otherwise closed, will open up for individuals with Down syndrome in the workplace, schools and the community. Developing reading skills leads to improvements in speech and language development, auditory perceptual skills and working memory function. This will promote the self-confidence and self esteem that is so important to all individuals! If you have met Veronica we are sure you love her already and if you have not get ready for a big dose of awesome!

“My name is Veronica Farrell and I am the Literacy Coordinator for GiGi’s Playhouse in Syracuse, NY. I am afraid to say that my work life is not as thrilling as my volunteer life. I work at Upstate University Hospital as a Compliance Auditor (insert yawn) but I do enjoy it. My real passion comes out through my work at GiGi’s. I have always been involved with our CNY community in some way or another, but late last year I decided to fully commit to one place and give all my love. That is when I stumbled across GiGi’s Playhouse. I have always loved children and have had a soft spot for the special needs community from as early as I can remember. So I typed in those two words: Children and Special Needs. That is when GiGi’s popped up. My first contact was with the Site Coordinator, Christina Cacciola, her warmth and promptness was all I needed to schedule a visit. To start as a volunteer you are asked to shadow two programs to get a feel for what GiGi’s has to offer. I immediately fell in love. Besides the wonderful families greeting you with a smile and the well versed Program Hosts, the kids are the stars of this show! I was instantly GAGA for GiGi’s. I drank the proverbial Kool-Aid if you will. I jumped in head first and started learning the ways of the Playhouse and joining as many programs and activities I could get my hands on, and I do not plan to stop anytime soon (Sorry, you are all stuck with me). I am almost a year in and I can honestly say GiGi’s Playhouse has changed my life in such a profound way I owe them every ounce of energy I can muster.

Witnessing these kids shattering stereotypes and knowing that I had a hand in helping them do so is such a great feeling. During our spring tutoring session we had a young boy, Adam, who could only focus for 10 minutes at a time. As the session progressed and he became more comfortable with his tutor, Lori, he was lasting the full hour, engaged and eager to learn. This is a perfect example of meeting each child exactly where they are and encouraging them to give their Best of All!

I also got the honor of reading with Ava every Saturday. After she warmed up to me, she started to trust me and what I had to say (She is a take no prisoner, I know what I want type of girl with a heart of gold!) We went from reading one book to devouring bookings one after another. She became my reading buddy pretty quick. I really do count myself lucky to be on their educational journey and revel in every accomplishment.

This brings me to the Literacy Program. I am in not a teacher by trade but I have so much respect for  all that they do. My boyfriend is actually a 4th grade teacher so I think some of his passion has rubbed off on me. Mary Carroll was the coordinator before me and she has taught me well in all things Pete the Cat to sensory bin activities.

Most of my time outside of work has been put into planning and organizing the upcoming Backpack Buddies Program. This year we are opening this up to all kids! This program differs from our One-on-One Tutoring in that it is a group based inclusion, station activity setting. Each week we will read a book together and break off into groups to work on different activities. This program provides a laid back setting yet still provides kids with the opportunity to work on math, language and early literacy skills.

Backpack Buddies is a 7 week program (recommended ages 4-9) starting July 11th. It is held on Mondays from 6pm-7pm. To get your child signed up please send an email to Veronica at VFarrell@gigisplayhouse.org

Veronica thank you for joining the GiGi’s Team, we are so happy to be “stuck” with you! You are shining the Generation G mission brightly!

educate. inspire. believe