Developing Professionals, Transforming Programs

Each semester, emerging professionals step into the Children’s Attention Home with curiosity, dedication, and a desire to grow. Their learning journeys not only strengthen their own futures but also enrich the Home’s programs in meaningful ways. This commitment to mutual growth—supporting developing leaders while enhancing youth services—remains a core value of the organization.

“Together, they bring fresh insight and momentum to our work, and we’re grateful for the meaningful contributions each of them makes.”

—Tara Burgess, Executive Director

Meet Alexis, Morgan, and Cristina.

Alexis Johnson, Social Work Intern

Alexis Johnson is an educator and Social Work master’s student at Grand Canyon University whose long‑term vision includes becoming a therapist and possibly opening a school designed for vulnerable youth with mental health needs. Her passion for this work traces back to her time in education, where she sees firsthand the challenges young people face and felt called to do more.

At the Home, Alexis has found a place where her academic pursuits and personal drive intersect. She describes the environment as humbling and deeply relational, noting the steady growth she experiences through daily interactions with youth and teammates.

“I continue to make genuine, impactful connections with the youth every day at the Home. I love hearing their thoughts and goals and gaining perspective on their experiences.”

—Alexis

Her most meaningful project so far has been curating a group therapy curriculum for the Home. She is also collaborating with doctoral student Cristina Gonzalez on a therapeutic initiative that blends their areas of expertise—an experience she’s especially excited about.

A highlight of Alexis’s time has been her developing relationship with Porterfield Social Worker Ms. Kim. Alexis expresses that each time they share a space, she leaves feeling refreshed by a new perspective.

Alexis takes pride in forming genuine connections with youth and finds joy in hearing their thoughts, goals, and reflections as they work together.

Morgan Baxter, Psychology Intern

Morgan Baxter is an honors Psychology student and McNair Scholar at Winthrop University. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with the goal of creating culturally relevant, evidence‑based interventions for minoritized communities. Her academic background has equipped her to understand the experiences of children and families within these communities, and the Home offers her the opportunity to translate that knowledge into practice.

Morgan enjoys engaging directly with residents, whether through interactive activities or thoughtful planning. One of her favorite projects has been coordinating a tour of York Technical College. The experience encouraged teens to envision their futures, express themselves, explore career interests, and build important self‑regulation skills.

Her development is supported through weekly check‑ins with her mentor, Porterfield Social Worker Ms. Kim.

“Morgan is an outstanding asset to the Children’s Attention Home. She is eager to learn and has participated in several activities with the residents. We are thrilled to have Morgan as an intern.”

—Ms. Kim

Already gathering lessons she’ll take into her future career, Morgan hopes to leave her internship with strong skills for building rapport with adolescents who need connection the most.

“This experience has given me the opportunity to apply everything I’ve learned in my courses to real-life situations as I interact with and plan activities for the residents.”

—Morgan

Cristina Gonzalez, Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student

Cristina Gonzalez is a third‑year, first‑generation Occupational Therapy doctoral student at Presbyterian College completing her capstone project at the Home. Her goal after graduation is to pursue travel therapy, gaining broad experience across multiple settings.

Cristina’s capstone centers on the importance of emotional regulation skills for youth experiencing homelessness. Through this work, she aims to help children navigate adversity, develop resilience, and reach their full potential. Her passion for this area of practice is shaped in part by her own childhood experience with homelessness, which fuels her commitment to supporting youth with similar stories.

“I hope to foster resilience and help children navigate adversity through an occupational therapy lens to reach their full potential.”

—Cristina

At the Home, Cristina has led several trainings for teammates on occupational therapy strategies, including the KAWA Model—an approach that uses metaphors to help individuals reflect on their life journey and personal strengths. Her sessions have sparked meaningful engagement among both staff and youth.

Cristina’s capstone continues to evolve, and the Home looks forward to sharing her completed project in the coming months.