Participant Best of All: Jenna Brennan
This months participant 'Best of All' goes to Jenna Brennan. Jenna has been taking part in various 1-on-1 programs at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa for many years and recently made noticeable progress in our 1-on-1 Speech Program. Both Jenna’s mom Susan and Speech coordinator Kyle Hollis have verbalized that Jenna has...
Make Halloween Magical (Yet Manageable) for Children with Down syndrome
Hello, our GiGi’s Playhouse community! We are here to give you some insight and tips on how to makeHalloween magical and manageable for your child with Down syndrome. Halloween is an exciting timeand experience, but for children with Down syndrome, the experience can often feel overwhelming. Brightlights, loud noises, scary...
Volunteer Spotlight and Survey: Madeline DiPasquale
We want to shine a spotlight on one of our volunteers, Madeline DiPasquale, who served as an intern over the summer at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa. Madeline is currently studying for her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, with a minor in Psychology. Throughout the summer, Madeline was pivotal in her contributions...
Participant Best of All: James Randolph
This month's participant 'Best of All' goes to James Randolph. James made many noticeable strides in the GiGiFIT Adult and GiGi's Kitchen Adult programs on Saturdays. By having our program leads and assistants provide occasional 1-on-1 attention in order to adapt movements in the kitchen & gym, James was able...
Creating Financial Confidence for Families with Special Needs
Welcome back, our GiGi's community! We're thrilled to share the valuable insights provided by Michael Ringel, which focuses on finance. Michael is a Chartered Special Needs Consultant with Special Needs Wealth Planning, LLC. Their purpose and mission is to help families plan for two lifetimes — the parents’ and the...
Importance of Early Exposure and Inclusion
Hello, our GiGi’s community! We had the pleasure of welcoming a wonderful group of sixth graders from Christ the King Vacation Bible School. These young volunteers spent their morning helping us brighten and organize our playhouse, assembling informational folders and creating a vibrant, beautiful banner to encourage others to volunteer...
Participant Best of All: Sophia Sullivan
GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa wants to highlight one of our participants named Sophia Sullivan. She has been making great strides in our Kids Club Program. Sophia Sullivan has been a shining example of reaching your Best of All this summer, particularly in the Tampa Playhouse's newest signature program Kids Club (for...
Launching into Learning
Welcome back, our GiGi’s community! We’re thrilled to share the valuable insights provided by Jessica Silber, our Vice President at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa, which focuses on education for students with disabilities. Jessica is the Founder of Elevate Advocate LLC, brings over 16 years of experience in disability services, and is...
July’s Letter from the President: 1- on- 1 Math and Literacy Tutors Needed
Hello families and friends of GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa, This is your Board President, Mike Bucalo. I hope you’re all enjoying your summer so far! I want to begin by offering a heartfelt thank you to the Cooper Family Charitable Fund, the Lightning Foundation, and Transfiguration Catholic Church for your incredible support of our Playhouse. Amazing donations...
Effective Strategies for Making Toothbrushing Easier for Sensory Avoiders
Hello, our GiGi’s Playhouse community! We were thrilled to welcome our friends from BayCare back to GiGi’s Playhouse to teach us more about the importance of toothbrushing. While it may seem like a simple daily task, toothbrushing can be incredibly challenging for individuals with Down syndrome, sensory sensitivities, and their...
Participant Best of All: Robin Brown
GiGi's Playhouse Tampa wants to highlight one of our adult participants named Robin Brown who has been making numerous strides in multiple programs as of recent. Karly, one of the speech language pathologists from the USF graduate program, has been working closely with Robin this Summer 2025 session. Karly has...
June’s Letter from the President: Board Member’s Needed
The month of June means hello summer and hello to all of you! Dear GiGi's Playhouse Tampa Families, Volunteers, and Supporters, As the newly appointed President of the Board, I'm both honored and energized to step into this role here in Tampa. The energy of summer is upon us- bringing warmth,...