Fort Wayne, Ind. — A unique partnership between GiGi’s Playhouse and Trine University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is delivering hands-on support to families of babies with Down syndrome. Starting this week, the two organizations are launching GiGiFIT Infant, a six-week infant massage and development training program aimed at empowering parents and enhancing early intervention.

The program, which kicked off April 11 and runs every Friday through May 16, takes place at GiGi’s Playhouse’s North Clinton Street location in Fort Wayne. Each session begins at 11 a.m. and is led by Dr. Brenda Prosser, a certified infant massage educator and assistant professor at Trine University.

A First-of-Its-Kind Program for the Fort Wayne Center

GiGi’s Playhouse, a nonprofit with a national network of achievement centers for individuals with Down syndrome, had no existing programs tailored specifically for infants — until now.

“This is a brand-new initiative, born from ongoing conversations with GiGi’s Playhouse staff,” said Dr. Prosser, who also serves as Trine’s Doctoral Capstone Coordinator. “We recognized a significant gap in services for infants and wanted to offer families something that would be both therapeutic and deeply personal.”

Prosser brings a dual certification — as a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) and Neonatal Touch and Massage Certified (NTMC) therapist — and years of experience working alongside GiGi’s Playhouse on various initiatives.

Inside the GiGiFIT Infant Experience

The weekly sessions are hands-on. Parents massage their infants during class while receiving guidance on:

• Specific massage strokes designed for infants

• Developmentally supportive play activities

• The emotional and physiological benefits of massage

• Building stronger parent-child bonding

“It’s about giving parents another tool to support their infant’s growth — both physically and emotionally,” Prosser said.

The program also provides opportunities for parents to network and connect with others navigating similar journeys — a vital social element that GiGi’s Playhouse emphasizes across all its offerings.

Real-World Training for Future Therapists

Trine University’s OTD students are integral to the program, assisting in both instructional support and data collection. While under Prosser’s supervision, students help guide families and receive invaluable exposure to infant-focused therapy — a field many have not yet explored in depth.

“It’s an opportunity for students to engage with families, learn about infant development, and potentially pursue specialized certification in infant massage themselves,” Prosser added.

Supporting Development From the Start

Infant massage is increasingly recognized by pediatric healthcare professionals as a gentle but powerful intervention for early development. For babies with Down syndrome, who may experience muscle tone challenges, developmental delays, and digestive issues, massage offers a multifaceted therapeutic benefit.

Key Benefits of Infant Massage (as highlighted by GiGiFIT Infant):

• Improves circulation and digestion

• Enhances muscle tone and motor development

• Strengthens parent-infant emotional bonding

• Promotes relaxation and sleep regulation

Program Details at a Glance

To register or learn more, families can contact GiGi’s Playhouse at (260) 482-7529 or visit gigisplayhouse.org/fortwayne/sfcalendar.