Making Play Meaningful for Every Child

Welcome back, our GiGi’s community! At GiGi’s Playhouse, we know that play is more than just fun – it’s how children learn, connect, and grow!During our recent Parent University session, Building Social Play Skills in Children with SensoryProcessing Challenges, BayCare representatives joined us to share strategies and insights on howfamilies and caregivers can foster meaningful,…

Read More

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 been able to apply real…

Read More

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 decorations, and social expectations can…

Read More

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 to the Tampa Playhouse with…

Read More

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 to reach his Best of…

Read More

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 child with special needs —…

Read More

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 and support our cause.   Not…

Read More

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 ages 8-12 years old). With…

Read More

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 also a dedicated parent of…

Read More

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 like theirs allow us to…

Read More