CPMHA Alumni

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Madison Hofe

Bio:
I’m a rising senior and I will be graduating in Spring 2022. I am pursuing a dual degree in English Language and Literature as well as Dance. Upon graduating, I hope to move to New York City to continue my career as a dancer; after this, I plan to become involved in arts journalism and writing. I’m eager for this opportunity with CPMHA as I get the chance to connect with students and professionals across varying disciplines, working with a talented team towards an important cause.

Testimonial:
This internship has been a great experience for me as I’ve gotten to work between disciplines and learn about the values of coordination within a team. I have gained important insights regarding non-profit organizations as well as lifelong connections, all while working towards an important cause.

 


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Jair Jean-Gilles

Bio:
My name is Jair Jean-Gilles and I am a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania. My dream job is to provide mental health services to individuals (specifically children) from disadvantaged groups, with the possibility of furthering my education in the future to go into the medical field. I am excited about this opportunity at CPMHA, as it will provide me a space to work with real people and see what psychological work looks like outside of research. By working with a budding non-profit, I hope I can help the organization grow to help many people now and in the future. It is my belief that we can change the world one life at a time, and that is what I intend to do. I want to listen to people’s stories and allow them the space and resources to become the best version of themselves, all while growing myself. This mutual understanding of vulnerability and improvement is the mindset that I will take with me into what I believe to be a bright future.

Testimonial:
My name is Jair Jean-Gilles and I am a senior at the University of Pennsylvania. I plan to work towards a career in forensic psychology, helping disadvantaged individuals get the help they are so often denied. My work with CPMHA has provided me with experience pushing myself out of my comfort zone and working in the psychological field outside of research. I got to speak with real people, and help them solve the issues that plagued their lives. Furthermore, the mentorship of Paolo provided me with a unique experience that I could not have received anywhere else; his work and life achievements give him perspective that no other mentor has, and I look forward to continuing that relationship into whatever the future holds for me.


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Jack Porte

Bio:
My name is Jack Porte and I am currently a rising senior at the University of Michigan set to graduate in December 2021. I am pursuing a double major in Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience (BCN) and Economics. After graduation, I hope to continue participating in research, whether at an academic, corporate, or non-profit level, with my primary interest being helping those in marginalized communities.

Testimonial:
This internship has been a unique experience that exposed me to many different tasks relevant to setting up a new nonprofit organization. CPMHA has a very important and inspiring mission and should grow with the help of new interns.

 


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Alysa Ross

Bio:
I am a rising senior at Tulane University pursuing both a B.S. and B.A. in Neuroscience and Latin, respectively. After I graduate, I plan to take a gap year to gain clinical experience before attending medical school. I am passionate about both the brain and children’s health, and as a physician I hope to work with kids battling various forms of brain disease. I applied to CPMHA because I was drawn to their mission of raising awareness about mental health. As a former athlete and future health professional, I recognize the importance of increasing education about mental health as well as reducing the stigma surrounding this subject, and I’m excited to be a part of a team that works towards achieving these goals.

Testimonial:
University: Tulane University
Dream Job: Pediatrician
As an intern for CPMHA, I was given the opportunity to work with students from other universities and apply the knowledge and skills I have garnered in the classroom in a ‘real-life’ setting. During my time, I gained a ton of experience conducting research and learned so much about raising awareness and educating others on various mental health related topics. This internship also was a great way for me to learn more the daily operations of non-profit organizations and appreciate how important their work truly is.


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Faith Sauer

Bio:
Executive Assistant Apprentice
I am currently attending Tulane University (Class of 2023) to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. As of now, I am unsure of what my dream job is, but I am leaning toward counseling. With that, I am keeping an open mind, and in the meantime looking for different ways to connect with others while finding something that I will enjoy having a career in.
I chose to apply to CPMHA because mental health is a field that affects almost everyone, whether that is knowing (or being) someone with a mental illness or even for people’s overall well-being. Through this opportunity, I am excited to learn more about my abilities and how I can use that to both help others as well as to help find a career in something I love.

Testimonial:
My name is Faith Sauer. I am a junior at Tulane University, and I am currently pursuing a career in counseling. This opportunity with CPMHA has given me the ability to serve others who are in need of help as well as to strengthen my professional skills. In addition to this, CPMHA has shown me that there are many different types of career paths related to the psychology field. More than anything, I am grateful that Paolo has been such a great mentor and for the experience and perspective that he is glad to share.


 

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Kara Schiek

Bio:
Neuroscience Research Apprentice
I am a Junior at Tulane University majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Public Health. My future plans include furthering my education through a master’s degree and attending medical school. This internship caught my attention because of it’s honorable mission to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. I also have a strong interest in research with aspirations of conducting my own in the future, and this internship is teaching me many useful skills about the research process.

Testimonial:
This internship gave me the opportunity to gain experience outside the classroom and work with like-minded students across the country. I am proud to be a part of a company so committed to helping those struggling with mental health

 


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Arushi Sharma

Bio:
I’m a recent graduate of The Ohio State University with a background in psychology and neuroscience. I’m passionate about mental health and the stigmas that prevent people from being able to access healthcare. I’m excited to start working at CPMHA to help fight some of the stereotypes that lead to discrimination against people in a mental health crisis. As a lifetime advocate, I value the importance of spreading awareness about mental health. I hope to provide community resources to people dealing with mental health problems, resources that might be otherwise unknown to them. A part of this will include setting up free and accessible support groups for people from different walks of life with unique mental health needs, regardless of their socioeconomic status. I believe CPMHA has given me the privilege to make a positive difference in people’s lives and I look forward to being able to do that here.

 

 


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Tristan Sirls

Bio:
I am a rising senior at the University of Michigan with a double major in philosophy and cognitive science, with plans to graduate in 2022. I want to go to law school and become a lawyer, where I can help advocate for mental health reform in our legal system. I chose to work for CPMHA since I am passionate about increasing awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues. In that sense, I’m hoping to use my time at CPMHA to spread awareness about mental health issues, as well as learn more about different mental health challenges that people face. I hope to take what I learn from working for CPMHA into my legal career and beyond!

Testimonial:
Dream Job: Lawyer
The University of Michigan
Working for CPMHA was a unique experience that allowed me to learn a lot about running a non-profit, creating support groups, and the challenges that mental health advocates face in the real world. I really enjoyed the team-oriented aspects of the apprenticeship, and it has been great to meet and get to know my peers on the project! Paolo is a very dedicated and understanding leader, and he gives you room to work on your own and explore topics that you are passionate about. My advice for anyone who wants to apprentice with CPMHA is: if you are passionate about mental health advocacy and want to help make a difference, you can get a lot out of this apprenticeship! There is a lot to learn for anyone who is motivated and willing to work hard. I am proud to call myself a CPMHA alumni.

 


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Karolina Smylek

Bio:
University: Lynn University
Dream Job: Clinical Counselor
What are you so excited about concerning the internship: This internship is a great opportunity to make a real life impact on the world. I am extremely excited to start working on projects that will help people all around the country.
What you want to do to change the world? : As I am working on the internship with CPMHA and preparing to start a graduate program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the fall, I want to focus on educating myself and the others about the importance of mental health.

Testimonial:
Graduate Student at Lynn University
As a recent bachelor’s degree graduate and a future Counseling and Clinical Mental Health student at Lynn University, I am working towards being able to help people and teach about the importance of one’s mental health. This summer I had the privilege of working alongside the most competent group of interns, as we focused on designing support groups for people struggling with various problems. Personally, I focused on developing a program that would help those in mental health crisis and those struggling with grief to find a safe space and receive recommendations on medical professionals that could guide them through the process of healing. Concussion, Pain, and Mental Health Awareness has opened the opportunity for young, aspiring, and passionate students to learn how to work with those in need and I am indescribably grateful for the chance to be a part of this project.


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Emilia Wilke

Bio:
Nutrition Apprentice
I am a rising sophomore at Tulane University with a double major in Health & Wellness and Psychology, and a minor in Public Health. In the future, my dream would be to pursue a career in the field of nutritional psychology and work with adolescents struggling with eating disorders. My goals of alleviating the stigma and barriers that come with mental health challenges align perfectly with CPMHA’s mission, which is what led me here! Through this opportunity, I am looking forward to learning more about the interplay between our mental, physical, and emotional healths.