Let’s Meet Our New Intern…CHIP!

Hi! My name is Lizzie Wenzel, but you can call me CHIP!

I’m a Pre-Medicine student at UW-La Crosse with dreams of becoming a doctor and giving back to our wonderful community. I’m incredibly honored to be starting an 8-week internship at GiGi’s Playhouse in Wausau, WI, where I’ll be working to help launch two exciting new adult day programs: GiGi’s Achievers and GiGiFIT! I care deeply about creating a warm and welcoming environment that is inclusive for all. Being part of the GiGi’s Playhouse community is something I’m truly excited about, and I can’t wait to see all that we accomplish together.

Outside of school and studying, I enjoy cuddling with my puppy, spending time with family and friends, and crocheting. I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces where individuals of all abilities can thrive, and I’m so excited to be part of this journey with GiGi’s Playhouse.

GiGi’s Achievers
This program is designed to empower adults with Down syndrome through a variety of engaging activities that promote communication, independence, health, wellness, and social skills. Participants will have opportunities to build life skills, explore personal interests, and prepare for the workforce through community-based experiences and hands-on learning. GiGi’s Achievers is all about fostering confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.

GiGiFIT
GiGiFIT is a health and wellness program tailored to address common physical challenges such as hypotonia (low muscle tone), decreased balance, and coordination. Through structured fitness sessions, participants will work on building strength, endurance, balance, and motor control in a fun and supportive environment. GiGiFIT is designed to help individuals feel strong, confident, supported, and empowered in their bodies.

GiGi’s Achievers and GiGiFIT are part of a broader initiative to expand adult day programming at GiGi’s Playhouse, Wausau. To start these programs up, we are hoping to incorporate them into our schedule one day a week, gather more input, and move forward from there. Our goal is to provide consistent, enriching, and purposeful daytime opportunities for adults with Down syndrome to grow, connect, and thrive. These programs are designed to support adult participants in living full, empowered, and healthy lives—and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

Communication
As we begin to shape these programs, I will be reaching out to parents and caregivers to discuss their loved one’s interests and potential participation. Your input is incredibly valuable in helping us create programs that are meaningful, engaging, and tailored to the needs of our community. I will also be connecting with volunteers, organizations, and other community members in order to help us reach our goals. If you have 5 minutes to spare, please take a moment to complete this survey to help us format our program!

Thank you for welcoming me into this amazing space! Now that you know a little about me, I am excited to get to know you! I look forward to meeting many of you in the near future. Feel free to stop in with questions or just to say hello to all of us at GiGi’s Playhouse in Wausau, WI! 

With Excitement and Appreciation,

“CHIP” 

Lizzie Wenzel
Intern at GiGi’s Playhouse, Wausau, WI
715-907-1867
https://gigisplayhouse.org/wausau/