A Day in the Life of a Gladney Intern

As a current MSW student at the University of Pittsburgh, I have been doing my internship with Cheryl Parkhill up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania! As I had such an amazing first year experience, I jumped at the chance to stay on for another year to complete my Concentration field placement. So Cheryl and I have just begun round two and I am excited about the potential these next two semesters hold. Last year I learned a lot about Home Studies and Post Placements and was able to interact with families involved in adoptions through China, Ethipoia, Bulgaria and Colombia. I also was able to develop my Doula skills as I was present at one of our birth mother's deliveries! As I am currently working to get DONA certified to be a Doula, this was a welcome experience. This semester we will focus more on Birth Parent Services as I assist Cheryl with developing and facilitating a birth parent support group. This is something that is virtually nonexistent in Pittsburgh so we are hopeful ...

As the marekting intern, I gert to experience all sides of Gladney. This week I have been helping out with a youtube video that shows potential birth parents their options as far as where to live during their adoption process. I had a lot of fun mixed with a little stress making the video, but I hope the video will shine some light on living options to birth mothers and also let them know how much Gladney cares about them. Here's the video!  

I have had an amazing experience as an intern. Tanya and Holly are beyond amazing and they help me learn something new each day. From the very first day that I got here, I have been diving head first into many new and exciting things. I have gone on home studies and I've gotten a chance to hold babies and care for them. I have worked on a resource list and I have also started doing a lot of work for Gladney in general. I love it and it is a wonderful place to work.

As a marketing intern I have had many experiences dealing with forever families and one that really  stuck out to me was a children's book I got to read and write a report about. Here is my review of this amazingly touching story that is not only good for families of adoption, but just families in general. “On The Far Side of Poplar Pond” provides a wonderful insight for children and adults into the world of adoption and how some people view it. Written by Anjanette Walchshauser, her picture book brings to life an encouraging story of a forever family and the joy adoption can bring. As an adoptive mother herself Anjanette explains appropriate ways to openly talk about adoption with others who may not understand it.

When I first applied to Gladney, I remember the biggest appeal was ALL the different opportunities it seemed to offer. I can remember at orientation finding almost every department appealing and wishing I had time to experience all of them. Well, I don't think that's actually possible, BUT I am finding myself taking advantage of all the opportunities at Gladney has to offer. Last Thursday, I got to attend Pathways Training, which was amazing! It was so exciting to me to see adoptive parents up close and personal and to put faces to some names i've heard mentioned in meetings or seen on documents i've scanned many times. It showed me no only why but who all the small, tedious little tasks I do behind a computer are for. I loved seeing couples interact and being able to observe the certain dynamics among adoptive parents. It was so much fun, and I learned so much!! Not to mention the free food was excellent :) On Monday, I also got to attend the Birth Parent Panel, which ...

Being a part of Gladney these past few months has been amazing ! Adoption has always been close to my heart, but after being here at Gladney - my heart was expanded . Knowing that I am helping others, who cannot have a child on their own, start a family is so rewarding. Currently, I am an intern working in Birth Parent Services for Gladney. Every day that I work here is different. Some days are consumed :)   with paperwork, some are filled with exciting adventures to see Birth Mothers, and some are spent learning new things. Overall, this experience has taught me so much about myself, and the social work profession as a whole. I plan on attending Baylor in their MSW program in the fall. Working with Gladney has helped me to become more prepared for graduate school, as well as giving me a positive perspective about adoption and social work. I just love being here! - Jessica Blaylock Birth Parent Services Intern

Hey y'all! My name is Meg. I'm currently working on getting my Bachelor's degree in Social Work at the University of Texas in Arlington, and this semester i'm interning at Gladney in the Colombia department. I've loved every single person and duty i've been given so far - including all my quality time i've spent with the scanner :) I'm really excitedto be working at Gladney because it seems like such a positive environment full of wonderful people who are doing great things with their life. I can't wait to see what the rest of the semester holds.