Shayla Knighten, a social work student at Jackson State University, completed her internship with Families as Allies this past semester. We enjoyed Shayla’s enthusiasm and willingness to take on new tasks, including those related to understanding complex policies. We also congratulate Shayla on her graduation from Jackson State and her plans to pursue a Master’s degree in social work.
We ask students, if they wish, to share their reflections about their internships after they have finished. We learn from their words and believe they often help convey the mission of Families as Allies. These are Shayla’s reflections:
During my internship at Families as Allies, I gained hands-on experience supporting children and families through advocacy, resource navigation, and collaboration. Families as Allies focuses on empowering caregivers of children with mental health needs. Throughout my time there, I learned how to approach each family with empathy, respect, and a strengths-based mindset. I had the opportunity to observe intake processes, help families identify their needs, and connect them with services such as therapy, school supports, and crisis intervention.
Throughout the internship, I practiced practical communication skills, especially when interacting with parents who were feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. I learned the importance of active listening and providing clear, accurate information while honoring each family’s voice in decision-making. My time there helped me understand how systemic barriers can impact families and taught me to think critically about how to advocate both within agencies and at a policy level.
Interning at Families as Allies strengthened my confidence in my role as a future social worker. I saw firsthand how collaboration with schools, mental health professionals, and community programs can lead to better outcomes for children. This experience helped me further develop skills in case management, professional documentation, and ethical practice—skills that will continue to guide me as I advance in my social work career.
Families as Allies welcomes interns and other trainees in social work, psychology, counseling, medicine, communications and other fields related to our mission. Contact us at info@faams.org for more information.
