Practical Experience
Internships
American Red Cross
North East Florida Region​
The final semester of my undergraduate curriculum consisted of a full-time internship with the American Red Cross as a virtual Disaster Cycle Services intern. A total of 507 hours were accumulated during this internship. My roles included volunteer caseworker, Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder, youth preparedness presenter, and community outreach volunteer.
The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization that provides emergency relief and services for victims of a home fire, natural disaster, or other emergency. Initial disaster response includes sending a DAT responder to the scene of the disaster to evaluate damage and impact, providing complimentary recovery support for victims and families (i.e. financial assistance, health services, mental health services, connections to local resources). The American Red Cross also helps to prevent and prepare for emergencies with the Sound the Alarm free home smoke alarm installation program, Be Red Cross Ready youth preparedness presentations, and community partnerships for emergency shelters and resources.
Prepare with Pedro
K-2nd Grade Presentation
Home Fire Safety
The youth preparedness teams for the American Red Cross focus on bringing information about home fire and other emergencies to elementary-age students. The Prepare with Pedro presentation captures the attention of children in K-2nd grade using a story about Pedro the Penguin who learns about home fire safety. The Pillowcase Project presentation entertains children in 3rd-5th grade by providing an empty pillowcase for students to fill with essentials items for use during a natural disaster, such as a hurricane. As an intern, I took on various roles within each presentation to prepare students with important emergency information. In addition, I was responsible for contacting local schools and scheduling presentations. Throughout my internship, I took part in over a dozen presentations virtually via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The youth preparedness program was new to the North Florida region of the Red Cross, so I helped to initiate and implement the program in this region. My team with the Central Florida region was awarded the Stewie award for educating 300+ 3rd-5th graders and 160+ K-2nd graders in one day.
Image shows a screenshot of one Prepare with Pedro virtual presentation to K-2nd grade classrooms.
Image shows the email presented to the Central Florida preparedness team and other volunteers announcing that our preparedness team earned the Stewie Award.
Client Care Program
Pamphlet Design
Red Cross Approved for Regional Use
I was tasked the objective of creating a pamphlet to describe the various service offered by the American Red Cross under the Client Care Program. I utilized the official logos, fonts, and colors of the American Red Cross brand to develop an informative and inclusive pamphlet. This pamphlet will be used by the Central Florida and North Florida regions of the organization to share information about the Client Care Program with potential partners and volunteers in the community.
Click on the images above to access the PDF version of this pamphlet.
Image shows preview of pamphlet for Client Care Program and how to become involved with the Red Cross.
Be Red Cross Ready
Sticker Design
Red Cross Approved for National Use
As the youth preparedness teams prepare for the upcoming presentation at the Great American Teach-In, which would address a large audience of students, I created a sticker design for the participants. The two sticker designs, shown below, incorporate the Pedro the Penguin character for the Prepare with Pedro presentation, as well as the official American Red Cross symbol. These stickers will encourage students participating to learn the various preparedness information, successfully complete the feedback survey, and earn a sticker that indicates the student is "Red Cross Ready". The sticker design has since been approved for use by American Red Cross teams nationally, during all youth presentations.
Image shows the sticker designed for participants of the Prepare with Pedro youth presentation.
Image shows the sticker designed for participants of the Be Red Cross Ready youth presentations.
Employment and Volunteer Work
UF Health Shands' Hospital
Family Medicine and PICU
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I served as a volunteer at UF Health for two semesters, focusing on the sanitization of high-traffic spaces, the friendly and appropriate delivery of phone support, and meal deliveries. I learned appropriate bedside manner, HIPAA compliance, and professional communication skills via phone.
PB Plastic Surgery
Dr. Frederick Barr, MD, FACS
West Palm Beach, FL
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During my 2019 summer internship, I was able to shadow Dr. Barr and his nurses during several "mini face-lift" procedures, a procedure invented by Dr. Barr himself. I learned how to provide detailed medical care and communicate health topics with patients.
Active Health Center Chiropractic
North Palm Beach, FL
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As a receptionist with this chiropractic and physical therapy center, I observed the daily routine and commonly-used equipment of chiropractic health care professionals. I became comfortable in a fast-paced healthcare environment and improved my skills of organization, communication, and commitment.
St. George's Soup Kitchen
West Palm Beach, FL
I have been serving hot meals to homeless individuals in my community, with the help of a local soup kitchen, since 2010. My family and I volunteered every Friday and I continue to visit when I return home on holidays. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I assisted in packaging meals and sanitizing the stations. I became introduced to a population of individuals whose health was impacted by their financial and living situation. I grew comfortable offering help to those in need and building a relationship with people in an unfamiliar environment.