Internship Insights: Patricia Dexter

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University graduate Patricia Dexter ’24, who recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS), spent her final semester interning as a Peer Support Supervisor with Adult and Teen Challenge Pacific Northwest. This unique role offered Dexter the opportunity to merge her passion for addiction counseling and peer support with her faith, helping individuals navigate the challenges of recovery and personal growth.

Dexter’s path to this internship was both professional and personal. Already employed by Adult and Teen Challenge, she had witnessed the early development of their peer support program and saw the internship as a chance to play a critical role in its growth. “I was excited to seize this opportunity because I have witnessed the seeds of our new peer support program be planted, and now I have the chance to be a part of cultivating those seeds,” she shared. “What I appreciate about my organization is the core values of faith and compassion. Applying clinical SUD treatment techniques through the lens of a Christian worldview is exponentially healing for our clients.”

A typical day in Dexter’s internship “included developing a training program to credential peer support specialists here in Oregon,” she explained. “I also worked directly with peer support staff, facilitated supervision groups, and oversaw documentation and daily operations in our vocational training work sites.” This blend of administrative and hands-on experience gave Dexter a comprehensive view of how peer support services function within the organization.

Reflecting on how the internship prepared her for future career opportunities, Dexter noted that her current role opened doors for growth. “This experience has shown me how I can expand into other roles, such as clinical supervisor or mental health counselor. The peer support supervisor role has prepared me for leadership positions, and it’s helped me see the path I want to pursue with this organization after graduation.”

One of Dexter’s most rewarding experiences during her internship was creating a new training curriculum. “My favorite part has been developing a curriculum for our 40-hour Peer Support Training program. I got to blend creativity with state requirements in a way that will be engaging for participants.” She also relished the opportunity to innovate through technology. “I built a virtual training on Zoom, learning how to create breakout rooms and use all the platform’s features to deliver engaging, effective training.”

Dexter highly recommends the internship to students interested in addiction counseling and peer support. “This opportunity allows you to combine clinical skills with a heart for service, and that is incredibly fulfilling,” she shared.

For more information about internship opportunities at Bushnell University, visit www.bushnell.edu/career-development. To learn more about the Adult and Teen Challenge Pacific Northwest, visit their official website.

To learn more about Bushnell’s on-campus IDS program, visit www.bushnell.edu/ids. To explore Bushnell’s IDS online program, visit www.bushnell.edu/ids-online.