04/29/2022
(Grace Vaeth, UPMC Western Behavioral Health)
Under the direction of Dr. Gary LaBine and Dr. Heather Snyder, from Edinboro University’s Psychology Department, eight undergraduate interns collectively completed more than 3,600 hours of community service through their fall internships.
Each student completed a 15-week, 12-credit internship at various schools and agencies in Erie County as a requirement for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Undergraduate internships in Psychology are typically undertaken by students following their junior year. Internships provide students with an opportunity to obtain professional work experience in a variety of settings in the field of psychology.
The following students completed internships during Spring 2022:
Justin Buehrle
Edinboro School | Achievement Center
Supervisor: Margaret Cox, Behavioral Health Supervisor
"My time at Edison has been an invaluable experience. This internship has given me a new perspective on my career plans and gifted me the chance to utilize skills I have learned thus far. Not to mention, nothing feels better than being able to help kids who need it."
Cullen Elton
Edinboro School | Achievement Center
Supervisor: Margaret Cox, Behavioral Health Supervisor
“Kids here have daily struggles. Even when facing their hardest days, our team can be the one thing that makes them smile.”
Shelby Folga
Parkside Psychological Associates
Supervisor: Audrey Smith, CEO Parkside Psychological Associates
“People in mandated treatment are not the embodiment of the crime they have committed; rather, they are unique individuals who have come seeking help.”
Shawn Held
Erie County Juvenile Probation
Supervisor: Doug Meyner, Deputy Chief of Erie County Juvenile Probation
“Rehabilitation over punishment is key to helping adolescents have a positive outlook on life and overcome the hurdles that are laid out before them.”
Abigail Reisinger
Crime Victim Center
Supervisor: Amy Blackman, Co-Assistant Director of Prevention Education
“My internship has truly shown me all aspects of being a counselor. Not only did I learn how to counsel, but I also learned how to educate others about sexual assault as well as, how to be a court advocate. Interning gave me many meaningful experiences.”
Stephanie Sipple
Sarah Reed Children’s Center
Supervisor: Jason Nietz, Director of Residential Services
“I am so thankful for the opportunity Sarah Reed has given me not only to learn valuable skills for my future career, but also for the bonds and connections I’ve been able to make with the resilient clients there.”
Melanie Stewart
Hermitage House
Supervisor: Ashley Messinger, Unit Supervisor
“Win or lose… the score board is wiped clean daily.”
Grace Vaeth
UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor-Crisis Services
Supervisor: Stacey Buettner, Program Director
"Being able to intern at Crisis Services was a great experience as we help clients connect with mental health resources in Erie County. There is never a boring day working here!"
