Psychology major interns with Easter Seals
January 14, 2010
Senior Angela Bratland (Aumsville, Ore.) recently completed an internship with Easter Seals Oregon, an organization committed to helping people with disabilities and/or special needs to gain greater independence. Bratland, a psychology major and business administration minor at Corban, observed pediatric therapies as well as helped coordinate a monthly recreation-and-respite program.
The senior undergraduate committed approximately 130 hours for each of two semesters to Easter Seals Oregon Children’s Therapy Center. Even though her responsibilities were brimming — her internship was on top of a full-time college load, marriage, a three-quarter time cashiering job, and leadership in two children’s ministry programs — Bratland says her experience with the West Salem center was well worth her time.
“I have a passion for seeing families work together as a unit to glorify God and edify each other, despite any diagnosed disabilities,” she said. “Although this is a secular environment, I believe I can be a light and take on the opportunities to show Christ’s open door for all I encounter.”
The 16-credit internship was arranged through Bratland’s academic advisor during her junior year. A key reason she chose to study mental health therapies with Easter Seals was to see the wide spectrum of treatments available for children ages 0–18, as well as for families. “Because Easter Seals is so diverse and each therapist specializes, I’m getting a broad understanding about what kinds of therapies are out there and how they can be effective.”
“Easter Seals Oregon Children’s Therapy Center doesn’t just do ‘mental health,’” clarified Bratland. She appreciates their comprehensive approach. Teams of physical, occupational, speech/language and mental health therapists work together with parents, physicians, and schools to find the best-suited treatment for each child’s unique needs.
Bratland also appreciated her leadership role with the monthly recreation-and-respite program at Easter Seals Oregon, known as Parents Night Out. The program provides disabled children and/or their siblings with fun, learning activities while their parents or caregivers receive a much-needed night off.
Kathy Schnebly, Child & Family Counselor, has overseen the program since its inception 10 years ago. She said, “As an intern, Angela has been responsible for securing volunteers, planning for the activities and also for managing the paperwork related to applications and financial aid for the participants.”
Though the event is carefully structured and staffed, said Bratland — the evenings themselves were low-key in nature. Crafts, music, board games, or watching movies in their pajamas were some of the activities the children were offered. “It gives kids a chance to be kids,” Bratland praised.
Schnebly, who has observed Bratland during her time at the center, commented, “Angela is a warm-hearted young lady looking for a place to share her caring for others. She has become more aware of the hardships loving families are confronted with on a daily basis and has had an opportunity to expand her understanding and acceptance of others. It has been my pleasure to work with Angela.”
Bratland has assimilated valuable lessons through her internship. One of the most impacting, she said, is “it’s opened my eyes to seeing people as people.”
After graduation next May, Bratland is leaning toward working with disabled children and their families or possibly with disabled adults. “I’ll work my way to family counseling of some sort, unless God leads me elsewhere,” the psychology major concluded.
By Jenny Hirschfelder, Staff Writer, Office of Marketing & Communications
503-375-7005 | jhirschfelder@corban.edu
