Bloom Where You Are: Graduate-level Intern Shines at SouthLight

Meet Abby Kaufmann, an intern with SouthLight’s Community Support Team (CST). Abby has been an intern in her first year of North Carolina State University’s Master of Social Work Program, and recently joined our SouthLight staff as Associate Professional.

SouthLight Healthcare is committed to building a dynamic and inspired workforce for the future of mental health and substance use treatment. One way we do that is through a robust graduate-level internship program. We asked Abby about her internship and how she has grown at SouthLight.

How have you grown through your internship at SouthLight?

I have learned the most from our clients. They have allowed me to be a part of their treatment journey, which has been a massive privilege. I was nervous coming in to CST since doing clinical work was all brand new to me, but I have become so much more confident in my clinical skills and supporting our clients as they grow and take steps toward a better future. This internship brings me so much joy and I know I am right where I need to be.

Typical day as an intern: I love the Community Support Team because every day is something different. Field days are the best days, because I get to meet our clients where they are in the community and do outdoor therapy sessions with them.

Why did you choose social work as a career?

I chose to pursue social work because it is a career that strives to positively impact the communities we live in. I have always been passionate about mental health and social justice and have constantly sought out opportunities to learn more. Social work is the perfect fit for me because I can do both clinical work and advocacy.

Who is a Mentor who has inspired you?

Halee Smith is my supervisor and she is just fantastic. She has been incredibly encouraging and has trained me well by modeling clinical skills and giving me lots of hands on work. I have learned so much from her and improved so many skills! The entire CST team blows me away with our passionate commitment to our clients and how well we communicate and work together. I am so lucky to be a part of an organization that empowers and supports people in challenging themselves and working through difficult struggles and situations, and does it well

About SouthLight Healthcare:

Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area’s largest nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services. SouthLight partners with individuals and communities to provide innovative treatment solutions delivered with compassion and dignity. With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond. Call 919-787-6131 for help or more information or visit www.southlight.org

To learn more about our graduate level intern program, click here.