Welcoming Our Fall 2025 Intern Cohort: Growing the Next Generation of Behavioral Health and Social Service Leaders

This fall, Fred Finch was thrilled to welcome one of our largest intern cohorts yet — a dynamic group of future behavioral health leaders, social service professionals, and community care practitioners who are passionate about supporting youth, families, and communities.

The group gathered for their first meet-and-greet, led by Joslin Herberich, Director of Clinical Services – Professional Development. The sessions provided more than introductions: they offered a meaningful opportunity to connect and build community.

At Fred Finch, cultivating emerging talent is essential to our mission. When we invest in the next generation of mental health and social services professionals, we strengthen the future of care for the communities who rely on us most.

Why Interns Are Essential to the Work We Do

Our programs span a wide spectrum of behavioral health, youth services, and family support — and interns play a valuable role in advancing that work.

Through hands-on experience, they gain exposure to:

• Behavioral health services and clinical care models

• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice

• Wraparound services and care coordination

• In-home and community-based support for youth and families

• Residential treatment programs

• School-linked mental health and early intervention services

By working alongside experienced clinicians, care coordinators, and social workers, our interns develop the skills needed to thrive as future mental health practitioners, social workers, and community-focused leaders. Their curiosity, energy, and dedication enrich our programs and help us continuously evolve to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Meet Our Fall 2025 Interns and the Programs They’re Supporting

Our interns are contributing to a wide range of programs across Fred Finch, gaining hands-on experience while supporting youth and families:

• Alameda County School Based Services (AC SBC) — Rosa Park (University of Michigan)

• Alameda Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS)— Ale Lira Araujo (Palo Alto University)

• Center for Autism Research Evaluation and Service (CARES) — Hillarii Brown (Grand Canyon University)

• Alameda County In-Home Services — Vonya Shumate (Palo Alto University)

• Rising Oaks Housing Program — Valentina Fierro (Cal State University, East Bay)

• San Mateo Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS)— Orakorn Thirayatorn (San Jose State University), Michelle Meza (Palo Alto University)

• Screening to Care — Danielle Silsbee (San Diego State University), Anali Flores (California State University, San Marcos), Jacob Gonzales (University of Kentucky)

• Specialized Wraparound — Annie Renas (University of Massachusetts)

• Supportive Services for Transition Age Youth (STAY) — Sofia Sanchez (Howard University), Natalia Robles (University of San Francisco)

• Visiting Therapist Program — Talia Dashow (National University)

• Wrap Connections — Adam Renteria, Mariana Morales Machaen (San Diego State University)

  
  

Each program represents a unique area of behavioral health, social services, and family support, giving interns the opportunity to engage directly with clients and communities while developing their skills as future leaders in social work and mental health care.

Behind every meaningful internship experience is a dedicated team of supervisors and mentors. Our clinical supervisors, behavioral health specialists, and program leaders provide guidance, reflective supervision, and real-world learning opportunities that shape the next generation of practitioners. Their commitment to teaching reinforces our culture of compassion, excellence, and community-centered care.

As our interns begin their journey with us, we’re excited to see the impact they will make — not only in our programs, but in their future careers as behavioral health leaders, social service workers, and advocates for youth and family wellbeing.

Their energy, passion, and dedication reflect the heart of Fred Finch and remind us why investing in emerging professionals is so essential to the future of community care.

Interested in the impact we’re making across California? Learn more about our  🔗programs and services here