EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University senior forensic psychology major Ariel Van Cleave recently completed an internship at Every Child Lane County, a local non-profit organization that supports children and families impacted by foster care. This opportunity allowed her to gain valuable hands-on experience in social services, mental health support, and foster care, as well as develop her skills in community outreach and event management.
We sat down with Van Cleave to learn more about her internship experience, the skills she developed, and how the internship is shaping her career path. You can watch the full interview below on Bushnell’s YouTube channel.
Van Cleave’s decision to intern at Every Child Lane County was a strategic one, enabling her to apply her academic focus in a real-world setting. “I’ve always had a passion for understanding the psychological aspects of criminal justice, particularly in how children are affected by the system,” she said. “I was excited to intern with Every Child because I knew this opportunity would help me connect my academic studies with practical experience in working with at-risk children and families.”
Throughout her internship, Van Cleave’s responsibilities ranged from assisting with community outreach programs to supporting foster parents and children in need. “I worked closely with families who were navigating the foster care system, helping them access resources and services,” she explained. “It was an eye-opening experience, as it provided me with a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological challenges these families face.”
One memorable experience for Van Cleave occurred during the Foster Parent Night Out event, when she helped coordinate activities for children in foster care. “It was such a fulfilling experience to see the children enjoying themselves and the foster parents grateful for the time to recharge,” Van Cleave said. “Being able to witness the positive impact these events had on both the children and parents solidified my passion for working in the field of child welfare and criminal justice.”
While Van Cleave appreciated the hands-on learning she gained at Every Child, she also reflected on the emotional complexity of the work. “Working in this field can be difficult at times, especially when working with children who have been through traumatic experiences,” she said. “However, the experience also showed me that I want to continue to work in a field where I can make a meaningful impact on families and children’s lives, even if it’s a challenging road,” which is why she is pursuing a career in the non-profit sector.
Reflecting on her internship experience, Van Cleave emphasized the importance of practical learning. “Internships are invaluable because they allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings,” she said. “Through this internship, I learned how to navigate the emotional side of working with children in crisis while also managing the logistical aspects of nonprofit work. It’s helped me understand what it takes to thrive in this field.”
Van Cleave’s advice to future students is clear: “Don’t underestimate the value of internships and hands-on learning. It’s one of the best ways to discover what you’re truly passionate about, and it gives you the tools and confidence to succeed in your chosen career.”
In light of Van Cleave’s advice, students interested in gaining direct professional experience can learn more about the internship program at Bushnell University and how it supports students in connecting with real-world opportunities. For more details, visit www.bushnell.edu/career-development. To learn more about Every Child Lane County, visit www.everychildoregon.org/lane/.