School of Social Work honors top-performing student interns

Courtesy FreePik

The Social Work Student Interns of the Year Awards celebrate students who have displayed an exceptional commitment and dedication in their field internships. Students, along with their field instructors, are honored for their performance at the Phi Alpha Honor Society Luncheon, which is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on March 24 at The Faculty Club in the Graham Center.

Each of the following students has demonstrated integrity, creativity, a passion for social work, as well as a commitment to learning. Please join us in congratulating them (and their field instructors) on this wonderful accomplishment!

• Stephanie Antequera, BSSW Student Intern of the Year. Nominated by Dr. Chemika Burkhalter at Early Learning Coalition —Early Head Start.

“Stephanie has not only been a pleasure to have with our agency, but has been a joy to watch blossom into a true social worker,” said Dr. Burkhalter.

• Lisaimy Mallo, MSW Foundation Student Intern of the Year. Nominated by Cara Kondaki, LCSW at Cleveland Clinic Florida .

“Several of our nurses who worked with Liz took the time to tell me what a good job she was doing. They stated how soothing and calming she was when talking to clients, both on the phone and in person. They were highly impressed with her dedication and her character. Our patients loved her and still ask for her,” said Kondaki.

• Christina Lujan, MSW Advanced Clinical Student Intern of the Year. Nominated by Michelle Zielenski, LCSW at the Bruce W. Carter Miami VA Medical Center .

“Since her start, Christina has gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve the nation’s veterans. She has shown integrity and passion in her thorough and detailed patient follow-ups,” said Zielenski. “She arrives to our supervision sessions with many questions and insights on her work as a clinical social worker. She is driven to be challenged professionally and wants to engage in diverse services.”