Impact Stories
Welcoming our Incoming Interns
septiembre 25, 2024
Meet a few of our fall intern class of 2024 and learn about what drew them to our intern program.
At Judi’s House/JAG Institute, our commitment to the vision that no child should be alone in grief drives us to strengthen the mental health workforce through intensive clinical training. Our internship program, grounded in grief-specific, research-based, therapeutic best practices, has trained a diverse group of behavioral health professionals for over two decades.
By equipping early-career professionals with the skills to provide effective grief and trauma-informed care, we expand our reach and move closer to building a grief-informed society. Our interns play a crucial role in this effort, ensuring that more individuals and families can access the support they need.
We are excited to introduce you to some of this year’s grief counseling interns!
Kayla Utter chose Judi’s House because of its unique impact on the community. “It’s an honor to participate in others’ healing as they navigate their future after grief,” Kayla shares. “Families are welcomed to process their grief in their own way, reminded that they are not alone, and leave feeling supported.” Kayla was particularly drawn to our values and the alignment she felt with our approach.
“If children receive developmentally appropriate care, they can process their grief in ways that prevent future negative outcomes,” Kayla emphasizes. “Investing in children is the wisest choice we can make as a society.”
Ann Erisman, another of our interns, was drawn to our Comprehensive Grief Care® framework and Judi’s House’s strong reputation for training. “I hope to learn how to show up for our clients as they navigate some of the most difficult seasons of their lives. Providing tools, community, and an outlet during such isolating times is a huge gift. Clients can draw upon resources they’ve gained during their time at Judi’s House for years to come,” Ann says.
Like Ann and Kayla, Alicia Danielsen also joined our program with a passion for working with families and children. “I’m hoping to learn how to use a family systems approach to help families process their emotions,” Alicia explains. “Mental health support for grieving children is especially limited, which makes the work of Judi’s House vital to our communities.”
Stay tuned next month to meet the rest of our 2024 intern class! Together, they are helping us advance our mission to provide essential care to grieving children and families.