Say hello to our wonderful group of fall 2018 interns! We are thrilled to learn and grow alongside you over the next few months!
Kally DeGroat
Where do you go to school and what do you study?
I went to LeMoyne College for two years and studied Psychology, then transferred to Cazenovia College and am currently studying Human Services and Psychology.
Where is home to you?
Which team are you interning for at Active Minds?
Why did you want to intern at Active Minds?
I believe in Active Minds’ goals for the future of mental health and wanted experience in an office and advocacy environment within my field.
What does Active Minds mean to you?
To me, Active Minds means teaching people the universality of mental health needs as well as helping people understand the life-saving, life-renewing, cyclical power of knowing how to really listen to and care for ourselves and one another.
Favorite DC spot?
Yet to be determined. I liked the Lincoln Memorial at night and I want to visit the botanical garden.
In my free time you can find me ___________
Trying to find animals to pet, wishing I could adopt all of the animals, listening to music, cooking, reading, or watching Netflix.
Your go-to motto or catchphrase?
Sweet beats, Cool beans, It is what it is, Such is life
Favorite way to unplug and re-charge:
Go someplace quiet with nature and read or write.
Chris Pahler
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
Berklee College of Music – Music Business
Where is home to you?
Which team/department are you interning for at Active Minds?
Why did you want to intern at Active Minds?
Interning with Active Minds allows me the opportunity to be a part of an organization that is so committed to ending the stigma that surrounds mental health. As someone who has dealt with depression and anxiety, I find Active Minds to be so inspiring and pushes me to be more courageous in telling my own story.
What does Active Minds mean to you?
Active Minds means a way to end the stigma on mental health. It’s a way to start open and honest conversations, and just be completely vulnerable without feeling judged or ashamed. What I love about Active Minds is that we focus on a younger generation and educate them on mental health awareness and that it’s OK to not be OK, and to not be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Favorite DC spot?
In my free time you can find me ___________
Your go-to motto or catchphrase?
Favorite way to unplug and re-charge:
I love bingeing a new tv show or escaping into a good book. I’ll also never turn down live music. Music is just good for the soul.
Amanda Baratz
Where do you go to school and what do you study?
Where is home to you?
Which team/department are you interning for at Active Minds?
Development and Operations
Why did you want to intern at Active Minds?
Because it’s my last year in the DMV before I leave for college, I wanted to take full advantage of all the amazing opportunities this city has to offer. When I heard that there was an internship spot open at a nonprofit mental health organization, it sounded too good to be true. As someone with a lot of personal connections to mental illness and the stigma surrounding it, I was excited to have the chance to get involved with helping to put an end to it.
What does Active Minds mean to you?
Speaking out to make a difference, because staying silent is a million times harder.
Favorite DC spot?
In my free time you can find me ___________
Your go-to motto or catchphrase?
Favorite way to unplug and re-charge:
Going for a long bike ride.
Interested in an internship with Active Minds? Apply today!
