SHU Therapy Client Starts His Own Cookie Business

George Manesiotis participates in social group at the College of Health Professions

If you start to crave something sweet to get you through a tough day, whether at school or work, find your way to Big G’s Cookies in Trumbull, where the motto is, “Taste the love.”

“Big G” is George Manesiotis, who participates in the Monday night social group led by the occupational therapy (OT) and communication disorders departments of SHU’s College of Health Professions. The group, which is open to young adults who have developmental disabilities, participates in sensory motor activities and language/social activities and then enjoys a meal together.  

“We begin with sensory motor activities such as dancing, an obstacle course or yoga,” said Ellen Martino, clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy. “Once the clients engage in  physical activities, we find that their social participation is much greater. The OT and SLP students plan and implement the activities with faculty supervision.”

Manesiotis discovered his love of baking when he took a bake shop class while a student at Trumbull High School. “I loved baking so much that I started my own cookie business,” said the 20-year-old, who is on the autism spectrum. His goal is to one day have his own bakery.

His mother, Corinna Manesiotis, has supported the idea from its inception. Together, the mother-and-son team spent two years developing their own recipes, including a secret ingredient. “It took a lot of practice to get everything just right,” she said. “When the customers eat it, they are tasting a very carefully crafted, homemade cookie.”

“[Corinna] does such a great job of balancing supporting George while at the same time encouraging his independence,” said Martino.

Big G’s Cookies are available for delivery and at Next Chapter Books store and café on Daniels Farm Road in Trumbull. Manesiotis bakes more than 300 cookies a week in six varieties: Chocolate Crave (chocolate chip), Dark Magic (double chocolate chip), Rainbow Madness (M&Ms), Triple Delight (chocolate, peanut butter and white chocolate chips), Sugar Rush (sugar) and Oatmealicious (oatmeal raisin). A dozen cookies cost $10 and a half dozen cost $5.