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,...
Supporting Sensory- Avoidant Children with Mealtime Challenges: Tips for a Positive Feeding Experience
We're delighted to give another warm welcome to our GiGi’s community! One of our biggest goals is to continue educating our community and others about Down Syndrome and how to enhance the lives of those with Down syndrome. A common trait while having Down syndrome is sensory sensitivities. This commonly...
Volunteer Spotlight: Claudine Caballero
This month's volunteer spotlight is Claudine Caballero. Claudine’s tireless efforts and deep involvement with the 1-on-1 Literacy Program at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa make her an unsung hero to literacy tutors, participants, and staff alike. Claudine has stepped up into the role of Literacy Co- Coordinator, in addition to continuing to...
Health Conditions of Individuals with Down syndrome: Adolescents & Adults
Hello to our GiGi’s community! Part of our mission is to educate and inform our community about Down syndrome, and Dr. Brian Chicoine has helped us do just that. Dr. Brian Chicoine, Medical Director of Advocate Health Care Adult Down syndrome Center, shared a vast amount of information to help...
Participant Best of All: Aaron Sanchez
This month’s best of all is Aaron Sanchez who has been coming to the Playhouse since he was a teenager taking part in both 1-on-1 and group programs over the years, where he always brings his trademark fun- loving spirit and contagious smile. As of recent, he has made great...
Participant Best of All: Jonathan Saffold
Jonathan Saffold has been a young man of many talents and a treasure to volunteers, tutors, and other participants alike, in many of GiGi's Playhouse programs that he takes part in. As a consistent presence in both our GiGiFIT Adult and GiGi's Kitchen Adult programs, as well as our 1-on-1...
Participant Best of All: Jennifer Boskey
Jennifer participates in many of GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa programs such as GiGiFIT Adult, GiGi’s Kitchen Adult, Yoga, and Fantastic Friends. She shares her enjoyment and sense of community that GiGi’s Playhouse Purposeful Programs offers to all participants. For someone like Jennifer, who has a wide array of interests and hobbies including art,...
How to Get Involved: Volunteering and Supporting GiGi’s Playhouse
GiGi's Playhouse Tampa is a wonderful support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. With a range of programs designed to promote education, empowerment, and community, we rely heavily on the support of dedicated volunteers and generous donors. If you're looking to make a difference in the lives of...
Volunteer Spotlight: Michelle Strawser✨🧘♀️
Michelle co-leads our Yoga Program with Mary Frances twice a month here at the Playhouse! She brings so much positive energy, mindfulness, and dedication to every session, helping our participants strengthen both body and mind. Her passion for wellness and inclusion creates a welcoming space where everyone can thrive! Michelle...
Best Of All: Astrid!
Astrid has been in the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program for 3 semesters and has made incredible progress toward her language goals! When she first started in the program, she was reserved, quiet, and had a very limited vocabulary. We are celebrating Astrid because now, not only is she continuously...
Enhancing Well-being: Yoga’s Gifts for Individuals with Down Syndrome
In the realm of wellness practices, yoga stands out as a beacon of holistic health, offering benefits that extend far beyond physical fitness. Its gentle yet profound impact on the mind, body, and spirit has garnered attention and acclaim across diverse populations. Among those who have found strength and joy...
