Volunteer/Program Spotlight: Welcome New LMNOP Leader, Emma!

Language Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) is an interactive and engaging program
designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language
and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities.
This program is recommended for ages pre-natal to 36 months.

Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi! My name is Emma Robustelli, and I’m currently a graduate student at Governors State University pursuing my master’s degree in speech-language pathology. I completed my undergraduate studies at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN — Boiler Up! In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new opportunities to learn and grow.

What brought you to GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park?

I’m currently volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse with the goal of helping bridge communication gaps — because everyone deserves a voice! I’ll be leading the Language Music ‘N Our Peeps (LMNOP) program, aiming to create a fun, engaging, and enriching environment for all participants.

What are you passionate about?

One of my greatest passions is learning about and advocating for Deaf rights. While at Purdue, I minored in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf studies, and from the moment I began exploring the language and culture of the Deaf community, I fell in love! I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Siena, Italy, where I immersed myself in Italian Deaf culture and sign language, comparing it to American Deaf culture and ASL. As a future speech-language pathologist, I aspire to work with Deaf and hard of hearing children, and I also plan to pursue certification as an American Sign Language interpreter.

What’s a fun fact about yourself you’d like to share?

Fun fact about me: I’m an animal lover! I have two cats, Cheeto and Chowder. I found Cheeto when he was just three weeks old, and we recently celebrated his fifth birthday. Chowder is the youngest — he just turned one!

LMNOP starts Saturday, May 31st at 10:00am! Come join us!