Philadelphia 2025
Children & Youth projects
The Drexel Kindergarten Bridge Program
Facilitating a Successful Start: The Kindergarten Bridge Program
Student Interns:
Toluwani Akinselure, Drexel University College of Medicine
Audrey Lee, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Tariem Burroughs, PhD, MSEd, MSODL, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health
Community Preceptor:
Andrea DiMola, MS, Drexel University School of Education
Community Site:
The Drexel Kindergarten Bridge (K-Bridge) program is offered to rising kindergarten students at Samuel Powel Elementary School in underserved West Philadelphia. The five-week summer program aims to facilitate the transition into kindergarten for children and their families by promoting skills necessary for success in school. Through collaboration with various community organizations, including Playworks, Eat Right Philly, Greener Partners, and the Dornsife Community Garden, the Drexel Kindergarten Bridge program provides children with a wide range of educational, wellness, and social learning at no cost to their families, with all meals provided.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted the K-Bridge program by completing administrative tasks such as educational assessments and directly leading and facilitating many fun and educational activities. In addition to arrivals, dismissals, daily snacks, mealtimes, and recess, the BTG interns led daily arts and crafts, games, play-based learning activities, mindfulness activities, and weekly water playtime to promote the development of social, emotional, and fine motor skills, along with creative expression. Interns also led weekly field trips to the Dornsife Community Garden, teaching the children about gardening and plant life, nutrition, teamwork and collaboration, and living in community with others.
Reflections:
Toluwani Akinselure: “Working at K-Bridge has been the highlight of my summer. Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the early education of a diverse and wonderful group of children. Watching them grow more curious, confident, and excited about learning was incredibly rewarding. I also had the pleasure of working alongside passionate educators who created a nurturing, engaging environment that emphasized both academic and emotional development. This experience deepened my appreciation for the importance of early childhood education. Supporting the children as they learned to express themselves, manage emotions, and build relationships taught me valuable lessons in patience, communication, and empathy. I will carry these insights — and the joy I felt being part of their journey — with me for years to come.”
Audrey Lee: “My time working with the K-Bridge program has been a wonderful experience. It was so great to get to know each kid and their unique personalities while helping them learn about phonics, math, art, nutrition, and social-emotional skills. I have formed a special connection with each child, and it has been such a pleasure to watch them all come out of their shells and become more confident in their own abilities in a school setting. I have learned a lot from working with these children, and I know that these childcare skills will help me in my future endeavors as an aspiring pediatrician. Every day, I watch them become increasingly bright, curious, cooperative, playful, and generous. I know that each student will excel in kindergarten once they start in the fall, and it has brought me so much joy to be able to help them prepare for school. What an amazing accomplishment it is to be able to facilitate learning and fun for children.”
Frankie’s World
Frankie’s World Summer Camp
Student Interns:
Alyssa Lacava, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy
Olivia Trotto, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Kelley White, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Conny Lockwood, Frankie’s World
Community Site:
Frankie’s World is a nonprofit medical day care center and preschool for children with medical needs in the Philadelphia area. Frankie’s World is staffed by a group of skilled nurses, energetic teachers, and kind aides who all work together to provide comprehensive medical care and engaging and thoughtful early childhood education. This care encourages physical, social, and educational development throughout early childhood. Frankie’s World is a safe and accepting place for children of all walks of life to play, learn, and grow together.
https://www.frankiesworld.com/
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted staff at Frankie’s World in planning, organizing, and leading a day care class and a summer camp for children with medical needs. Each day, the interns planned and led educational lessons, craft activities, and group games for children aged 5 to 10. The interns incorporated a range of activities to help the students practice both gross and fine motor skills and to encourage their social and emotional development. The interns used adaptable and kid-friendly techniques to promote a welcoming and exciting environment for all children.
Reflections:
Alyssa Lacava: “Being at Frankie’s World has taught me a lot about what it means to work with 2- and 3-year-old children of varying physical and developmental abilities. I learned how to be attentive to each individual child. Gradually I was able to see each child’s personality, cleverness, and creativity shine through as I was able to attune myself to their thoughts, feelings, and needs, which were not always communicated verbally. Each child experienced food, art, song, dance, and play with their own individual flair. Additionally, I learned what it means to communicate and work within a multidisciplinary health setting. I communicated about schedules and roles with various speech therapists, physical therapists, nurses, administrators, and other professionals. I was very impressed with this day care facility and all that it does for the children who require its services. Through this experience I was able to reflect on what it means to accommodate individuals with varying abilities. Places like Frankie’s World are crucial because traditional day cares and preschools often do not have the staff or resources necessary to give these kids adequate care. This space allows for them to get an academically and socially enriching experience where they otherwise may have been isolated due to structural and systemic ableism in many public and educational spaces. I hope to take this experience with me by prioritizing physical and mental accommodations into my own practice.”
Olivia Trotto: “Frankie’s World is a place where kids with medical and developmental needs get to just be kids. I spent the summer working in the camp program, and one of the first things I noticed was how much joy and personality each child brings. Whether they’re playing tag, dressing up, or dancing around the room, the focus here is on letting kids connect, have fun, and feel seen, not just managing their medical needs. Being around the kids every day reminded me how important that kind of space is. I also learned a lot just by watching how the staff interacted with them: the patience, creativity, and flexibility it takes to create a safe and fun environment. There were moments when I wasn’t sure what the right approach was, especially coming from a hospital background, but over time I learned to slow down, pay attention, and just be present. This experience has made me think more about what inclusion really means, and how small changes in our environment and attitude can make a big difference. I feel lucky to have been part of a place that values every child’s individuality and lets them shine.”
Greener Partners
Greener Partners: Urban Farming and Education in Greater Philadelphia
Student Intern:
Olivia Chagnon, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Jeremiah Goldstein, MD, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Preceptor:
Jessica Chou, Greener Partners
Community Site:
Greener Partners is a West Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization that aims to educate the community about plants, nutrition, and urban farming. Greener Partners uses on-site gardens at local schools to teach students about where their food comes from and what various plants can be used for. The organization has also established a mobile farm program that broadens its educational reach to more locations and events. Greener Partners is also heavily involved in expanding access to fresh foods in the local community. One highlight of this initiative is the development of Deaver Wellness Farm at Lankenau Medical Center, where produce is grown and distributed to the hospital’s patients.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern assisted with weekly programming at local summer camps, helping to facilitate garden- and classroom-based activities and recipe making. The intern also contributed to the maintenance of the Greener Partners gardens through weeding, harvesting, and assisting with the construction of a rain collection system. The intern additionally had the opportunity to create supplemental materials for the organization, including short videos to accompany produce distributions at Deaver Wellness Farm and a monthly newsletter that highlighted Greener Partners’ recent work, provided nutrition tips to readers, and shared recipe ideas. The intern also assisted with food distributions for local community members.
Reflections:
Olivia Chagnon: “My experience with Greener Partners this summer was immensely rewarding. I was lucky enough to volunteer with the organization throughout my first year at Drexel, and my positive experience made my decision to continue working for them this summer an easy one. In my time with Greener Partners I have learned so much about the work being done to make fresh foods more accessible to the local community in West Philadelphia and am also now more aware of the barriers that exist in getting produce into the hands of those experiencing food insecurity. I am inspired by the work that locations like Deaver Wellness Farm at Lankenau Medical Center are doing to improve food access for patients with the recognition that food is medicine. During my future career as a physician, I plan to be cognizant of local food access resources in my area so that I can share this information with my own patients. I also loved having the opportunity to step outside the classroom and learn more about garden maintenance and the growing process. The passion that the GP farmers and educators have for their work is contagious, and everyone I worked with was eager to share their knowledge and expertise. It was a summer that I am incredibly grateful for and will not soon forget.”
HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Helping Minds Shine at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Student Interns:
Oluwanifemi (Nifemi) Adetunji, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Seoyun Jang, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Leona Kwong, Drexel University College of Medicine
Meghan Tracy, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Anna Xiang, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptors:
Hillary R. Bogner, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Donald L. Boyer, MD, MSEd, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Clarissa Lacson, PhD, MT-BC, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Community Preceptors:
Julie Conway, SLPD, CCC-SLP, ATP, HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Teresa Giardina, MSEd, OG, HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Community Site:
HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy is located in West Philadelphia and works with students aged 5 to 21 with complex physical and intellectual disabilities. HMS School’s mission is to support students in thriving academically while developing their abilities to engage with the world smoothly once they graduate. The staff at HMS provides safe, secure, and stimulating environments for students to participate in classrooms and in art, physical, music, occupational, and speech therapies. Over time, students can learn physical navigation, feeding, emotional regulation, and communication skills.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted in developing cerebral visual impairment (CVI)-friendly sight-word binders and the digital scanning of children’s books to enhance both nondigital and digital literacy resources for students. They also shadowed occupational, speech, and physical therapists, as well as nursing staff, to better understand interdisciplinary care. The interns helped support classrooms by promoting sensory experimentation and assisting students in exploring alternative communication methods. Their additional efforts included supporting oral health, cardiovascular disease prevention, and health promotion activities.
Reflections:
Oluwanifemi (Nifemi) Adetunji, Seoyun Jang, Leona Kwong, Meghan Tracy, and Anna Xiang: “Through this experience, we developed a deeper understanding of working with children with disabilities, gaining insight into their unique needs and recognizing the importance of patience, empathy, and adaptability in their care. Observing interdisciplinary care was especially meaningful as it showed us how different healthcare disciplines collaborate to create comprehensive plans that support the students’ physical, emotional, and cognitive development. We also came to appreciate the importance of narrative medicine by listening to the stories of classroom teachers, students’ families, and nurses. This insight helped us deliver personalized care that is attentive to each individual’s unique needs. This experience also reinforced the value of collaborative teamwork, where open communication and shared goals lead to more holistic and effective support for children with disabilities.”
Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
Serving Philadelphia’s Youth Through Sport: Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
Student Interns:
Anushka Kumar, Drexel University College of Medicine
Melanie Stender, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Daniel R. Taylor, DO, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Preceptor:
Devynne McClelland, Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
Community Site:
Legacy Youth Tennis and Education offers accessible, high-quality seven-week summer tennis camps at nearly 20 locations across Philadelphia. These free or low-cost camps provide young athletes with tennis instruction, mentorship, and the chance to compete in an inter-site tournament, with winners earning a trip to the U.S. Open. Legacy’s community-based programs are designed to build strong athletes while promoting fitness, character development, and inclusivity. Additionally, through its Out-of-School Time (OST) program, Legacy partners with local Philadelphia schools to offer safe, engaging, and supportive childcare during both the summer and after-school hours.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked at Pleasant Playground, one of several Community Tennis Camp locations operating across Philadelphia. The interns worked alongside Pleasant Playground Community Tennis Camp leadership, including tennis coaches and junior instructors, to support a variety of activities — from leading warm-ups and organizing skill-building drills to facilitating group games. Beyond the court, the interns contributed at the Legacy Youth Tennis and Education Center, where they handled camper sign-ins and assisted with essential program logistics. The interns also volunteered weekly at Pennell Elementary School’s Out-of-School Time program, where they led interactive health discussions on topics like hygiene and personal care, and stepped in to help with classroom and recreational activities whenever needed.
Reflections:
Anushka Kumar and Melanie Stender: “Spending the summer at Legacy Youth Tennis and Education gave us the opportunity to connect with kids in ways that were both fun and deeply meaningful. Some of the most impactful moments didn’t come from structured drills or games, but from simple one-on-one interactions that made campers feel seen and supported. These moments taught us the importance of meeting children where they are and being intentional about creating opportunities for all to grow. We also gained a deeper appreciation for how community-based programs reduce barriers to access and provide safe, consistent spaces for connection and development. This experience has strengthened our commitment to approaching healthcare with empathy, patience, and a strong focus on equity.”
Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships
Empowering Second Chances: Education, Employment, & and Equity in North Philadelphia
Student Interns:
David Baidoo, Temple University, School of Pharmacy
Jessica Kolora, Temple University, School of Pharmacy
Academic Preceptor:
Jerome Wright, MSW, LSW, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Shirley Moy, MSW, Executive Director, Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships
Community Site:
The Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships (LCCWP) is a part of Temple University’s Office of Public Affairs. Its mission is to engage people throughout North Philadelphia area and to address the issues affecting those communities. Through various programs, it supports adult education, career development, health literacy, public housing, trauma education, and many other aspects of the community.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns supported adult learners at the Lenfest Center by providing individualized tutoring in GED math, science, and language arts, with a focus on building foundational skills and student confidence through repetition and personalized instruction. The interns also assisted with job readiness by reviewing résumés, helping with job applications, and offering guidance on interview preparation. Interns provided additional support to formerly incarcerated individuals by helping them develop résumés and prepare for reentry into the workforce. A flexible scheduling model ensured one-on-one learning, addressing student concerns about group sessions and varied learning paces. These efforts helped create a more supportive and empowering environment for adult learners, job seekers, and returning citizens in the community.
Reflections:
David Baidoo: “The BTG opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It really gave me a perspective on how a lot of the people in Philly are living without high school diplomas, yet they constantly show up every day eager to learn. Their resilience and determination moved me. This experience made me more compassionate, not only as a future healthcare professional, but also as a person. It reminded me that behind every statistic is a story and that genuine support can be life changing.”
Jessica Kolora: “The BTG CHIP experience has deepened my awareness and mindfulness when working with underserved populations. During my tutoring sessions at WELL, I observed that many adult learners were highly motivated. They simply needed support, patience, and encouragement to succeed. I learned that building confidence through consistent guidance can empower individuals far beyond achieving their GED goals. As a future healthcare provider, I’ve come to understand that when someone isn’t following the expected path, it’s important to ask why rather than assume disinterest or noncompliance. This mindset helped me better tailor plans to meet each student’s unique needs and will continue to shape the way I approach patient care throughout my career.”
Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley
Building Bridges and Wishes for Families at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Student Interns:
Thinna Svetanant, Drexel University College of Medicine
Stephanie Widjaja, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Jeremiah Goldstein, MD, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Preceptor:
Geremi James, LSW, MSW, Make-A-Wish, Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley
Community Site:
Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley is dedicated to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley is seeking ways to deepen relationships with and expand the pool of wish recipients to include more children from low-resourced communities.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked to increase outreach to children living in North and West Philadelphia, focusing on increasing awareness and access to Make-A-Wish services for patients at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. The interns also engaged directly with patient families to support the Wish Discovery process and submit referrals, helping to ensure that every eligible child has the opportunity to experience the magic of a wish. Referrals increased sevenfold in the month of June through direct engagement with families and hospital staff. The interns met with five children to help identify their wishes, assisted in planning a birthday party wish, coordinated with other BTG sites for outreach to refer 15 eligible children, and presented Make-A-Wish information to physicians at grand rounds. Additionally, they conducted interviews with Wish families to better understand their experiences navigating serious diagnoses and the impact of receiving a wish.
Reflections:
Thinna Svetanant and Stephanie Widjaja: “Our BTG CHIP experience with Make-A-Wish at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children provided valuable insight into the organization’s mission and the powerful impact a wish can have on a child and their family. Throughout the summer, we deepened our understanding of the wish process and the barriers that can prevent eligible children — especially those from under-resourced communities — from being referred. One of the most rewarding parts of our experience was spending time with patient families at the hospital. We were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about their unique backgrounds and cultures, and to hear firsthand about the challenges they face related to the social determinants of health (SDOH) and their experience with getting their child treated. These stories deepened our empathy and strengthened our commitment to working with families in a more informed and respectful way. We also became more aware of the difficulties involved in engaging hospital staff around Make-A-Wish referrals. While outreach was challenging, we’re proud to have taken small but meaningful steps toward breaking down misconceptions about the organization. By building relationships and clarifying referral processes, we hope our work helped pave the way for future collaborations that bring more wishes to eligible children.”
Mercy Neighborhood Ministries
Expanding Health Education Through Creative Play at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries in North Philadelphia
Student Interns:
Cheyenne Frank, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Oluwapelumi Osunkoya, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Academic Preceptor:
Zoë Van Orsdol, MA, MPH, Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health
Community Preceptor:
Barbara Coleman, Director of Programs, Mercy Neighborhood Ministries
Community Site:
The mission of Mercy Neighborhood Ministries is to improve quality of life for the people of Philadelphia through intergenerational programming in early education and youth development, adult education and workforce development, and adult day care. Mercy serves about 300 children, adults, and seniors daily in the 19140 and 19144 zip codes of the Tioga-Nicetown and Germantown areas of Philadelphia.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns focused on giving Mercy students a series of health- and safety-related lessons. They also facilitated gameplay, the completion of school assignments, and participation in field trips around Philadelphia. Their goal was to create a fun and engaging environment for students to learn more about personal health. One lesson comprised a series of games about germs and hand hygiene, another was an oral health Bingo game, and a nutrition game was designed with the goal of building the healthiest and most balanced meal.
Reflections:
Cheyenne Frank: “My experience this summer with BTG was so fulfilling. Working at Mercy emphasized the importance of teamwork and community in addressing the diverse needs of underserved populations. Through its early education and youth development programming, I saw how the well-being of the students extends beyond the clinical setting. The relationships I built with the teachers and staff and lessons learned this summer have laid the foundation for a collaborative mindset I hope to carry throughout my medical career!”
Oluwapelumi Osunkoya: “I couldn’t be happier with my experience at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries this summer. Over the course of the seven weeks, I had the pleasure of getting to know the staff and many of the students. I learned how much heart is in this community. Each staff member is extremely committed to their work there, every day putting their all into creating the best environment for every child. The students are collaborative, bright, funny, and eager to learn. Watching them work together, encourage one another, and comfort each other when they’re feeling down has left a lasting impression on me. Mercy feels a lot like a family. I feel incredibly lucky to have been a small part of this organization this summer. To share in their joy and laughter, celebrate their accomplishments and birthdays, and witness some sad goodbyes has been deeply moving. I look forward to continuing my work with Mercy in the future.”
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
Summers at Smith: An Eight-Week Camp
Student Interns:
Sami Oueis, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Daja Wilson, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing
Academic Preceptors:
Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing
Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Frances D. Hoover, Executive Director, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
Community Site:
Smith Memorial Playhouse, located in East Fairmount Park, is an integral part of the Philadelphia community, having opened in 1899 for the sole purpose of providing unrestricted play opportunities to the children of Philadelphia. A pioneer of the playground movement in the United States, Smith is designed with the development and growth of children in mind.
https://www.smithplayground.org/
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted at the Summers at Smith Camp. They were involved in all aspects of the camp, from working with city contractors and taking delivery of food to creating educational programs. As camp counselors, the interns accompanied the campers throughout the day and participated with them in nature, sports, and art activities while maintaining responsibility for their well-being. In addition to all the activities and educational programs, the interns also used their expertise in cardiovascular disease and oral health to create a health day full of interactive activities and lessons for the campers.
Reflections:
Sami Oueis: “I found my time working as a camp counselor for Smith Memorial Playhouse a rewarding and enriching experience, for both myself and the campers. Observing the impact and importance of an institution like Smith and having the opportunity to be involved in building something long-lasting was an extremely fulfilling way to experience Bridging the Gaps. Working with campers from different backgrounds, I learned how important a child’s upbringing is in shaping their future. Learning how to navigate different personalities and fine-tuning my interactions with each camper instilled valuable lessons that I plan to utilize with my adolescent patients in the future.”
Daja Wilson: “Being an intern at the Smith Memorial Playground was incredibly rewarding. I truly enjoyed providing the campers with engaging activities designed to prevent the summer slide. Each child had such a unique personality, and having one-on-one conversations with them quickly became my favorite part of the experience. I developed valuable skills, especially in communication and conflict resolution with children, that I know will be essential in my future career as a nurse.”
Southwest Community Development Corporation
Southwest CDC Summer Camp Health Education Program
Student Interns:
Kaiya Tolat, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Lydia Worssa, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing
Kass Zhang, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Academic Preceptors:
Hillary R. Bogner, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Donald L. Boyer, MD, MSEd, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing
Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Community Preceptors:
Melvin Draughn, Administrative Assistant/Group Leader, Southwest CDC
Shaketia Sills, Program Director/Coordinator for After-School/Summer Camp, Southwest CDC
Jackie Simmons, Program Director, Southwest CDC
Shalese Reaves Thomas, Group Supervisor, Southwest CDC
Community Site:
Southwest Community Development Corporation is a community-based organization that runs a summer camp for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. The camp takes place at Patterson Elementary School and serves around 55 young scholars. Southwest CDC focuses on improving the local community through education and wellness initiatives. The summer camp provides kids with a safe, structured environment where they can learn, grow, and have fun while school is out.
https://southwestcdc.org/services/after-school-program/
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns created and delivered health-focused lessons and activities for each grade level. Each day, they worked with a different group — kindergarten through fourth grade — and adjusted their teaching to fit the educational level of each. Throughout the summer, the interns led lessons on exercise and stretching; nutrition and healthy eating habits; oral hygiene and dental care; first aid safety and handwashing; human body systems and organ function; smoking prevention and the impact of secondhand smoke and vaping; emotional regulation and conflict resolution; cardiovascular health and measuring pulse; and CPR and emergency preparedness, with support from Penn Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT). The interns created hands-on, interactive activities using materials like GloGerm lotion, sidewalk chalk, Play-Doh, egg cartons, and pipe cleaners. These items made learning more engaging and helped the children better understand concepts through doing, not just listening. Some highlights included designing paper plates filled with favorite healthy foods, building personal first aid kits, and placing organs into full body outlines they traced with chalk on the sidewalk.
Reflections:
Kaiya Tolat, Lydia Worssa, and Kass Zhang: “This experience has meant a lot to us personally and professionally. It was incredibly rewarding to see the kids respond so positively to our presence and lessons. Their excitement, curiosity, and joy made every week worth it. We especially loved how much information they retained over time. Seeing them answer review questions correctly or tell us their new brushing techniques showed us that what we were teaching was sticking. Moments like kids running up to hug us or asking if we’d be coming back were small but powerful reminders that we were making a difference. It was interesting to see how many of the students had already heard about the heart or had been exposed to it in school. They were really excited to learn how to check their pulse and could clearly feel the difference between their resting and active heart rates. Teaching them that the heart is a muscle and needs to be exercised just like any other body part helped make the concept real for them. We also talked to them about cardiovascular disease, the risk factors, and the importance of staying healthy to prevent it from happening. BTG gave us a clearer sense of the kind of impact we want to have. We have always been interested in healthcare, but this program reminded us how important community-based education is. Working with kids in a public school setting helped us develop patience, creativity, and flexibility — all essential skills in any career that supports others. More than anything, it made us realize that meaningful change often starts on a small scale.”
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Center for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
St. Christopher’s Hospital 15th Annual Back-to-School Carnival
Student Interns:
Durga Mounika Chilukuri, Drexel University College of Medicine
Kristyn Spetz, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Stacy Ellen, DO, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Preceptor:
Renee Turchi, MD, MPH, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Site:
The Center for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs is located within St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. It provides a “medical home” — complete, coordinated, family-centered care — for youth with medical complexity.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked with the team at the Center for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs to plan the 15th Annual Back-to-School Carnival, held each summer to provide children and youth in the Philadelphia area with backpacks filled with school supplies to help prepare them for the new academic year. The carnival also connects families to relevant health resources, screenings, fun, and food. Since the carnival’s inception, 20,000 children and their families have attended the annual event, and school supplies have been provided to more than 10,000 children. To prepare for the backpack giveaway and carnival, the interns assisted with fundraising, innovative ideas, identifying and organizing community resources and partners, planning games, and ordering supplies. The interns’ main project was coordinating with vendors and reaching out to community partner organizations to invite them to participate in the carnival. The interns also met with various hospital departments, including the dental and trauma teams, to coordinate carnival activities, health screening educational initiatives, and oral health screenings. The interns were instrumental in organizing and filling backpacks for distribution.
Reflections:
Durga Mounika Chilukuri: “Working to put together an event as large as the Back-to-School Carnival involved many moving parts. Dr. Turchi and her team were incredibly welcoming, and we learned a great deal about the community that St. Christopher’s serves. One of our responsibilities as Bridging the Gaps interns was to acquire donations from local vendors and corporations, which gave me a firsthand look at how a community can come together to support the health and well-being of its constituents. The carnival also provides a platform for community partner organizations that offer essential services such as speech therapy and free legal support. As I’ve learned more about how challenges like housing instability, food insecurity, violence, and limited access to resources affect specific areas of Philadelphia disproportionately (particularly neighborhoods surrounding St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children), I saw how this event serves not only as a fun space where kids can get backpacks and school supplies to start the year on a positive note, but also as a vital opportunity for families to connect with and learn more about helpful community resources. I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work on the Back-to-School Carnival this summer. Being a part of this experience has made me feel more connected to my community in Philadelphia, and I hope the carnival continues to be an integral part of the neighborhood, creating a positive impact for years to come.”
Kristyn Spetz: “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in Bridging the Gaps this summer, which has been an experience I will always reflect on with appreciation. Working with St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is a privilege and feels like a home rooted in compassion. The staff’s unwavering dedication to serving the Philadelphia community continues to inspire me, and I know I will be a better physician because of the time I spent there. Helping to plan the 15th Annual Summer Carnival, which provided children with backpacks and school supplies during a time of need, was an exceptionally fulfilling experience. It reinforced my passion for service and energized me for a future career grounded in community engagement. Working alongside Dr. Turchi and her remarkable team has been both humbling and motivating. Their steadfast commitment to the carnival and the families it supports exemplifies the true spirit of Bridging the Gaps. Their example will guide me as I continue to seek ways to serve underserved and under-resourced populations throughout my medical career.”
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Center for the Urban Child
Pediatric Navigators
Student Interns:
Dimitrios Bakatsias, Drexel University College of Medicine
Megan List, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Stacy Ellen, DO, FAAP, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine
Community Preceptors:
Renee Kottenhahn, MD, FAAP, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine
Kathryn Stroup, MD, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine
Community Site:
The Center for the Urban Child (CUC) is an expansive outpatient facility on the St. Christopher’s campus. There, a multidisciplinary team cares for many families who face complex challenges due to financial, social, educational, and cultural barriers to care.
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children | Tower Health
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns served as an integral part of the medical team, helping to ensure that the needs of patients and families were met. Working more than 15 hours a week in the well child clinic at St. Christopher’s Center for the Urban Child (CUC), the interns improved the efficiency of patient visits by performing social screenings, providing resources, and offering counseling for the areas of oral health, reading, and asthma. The interns also acted as patient advocates, connecting families with complex social needs to the clinic’s available social workers, community health workers, or legal aid services. In addition, the interns worked to identify information gaps in different resources and programs and worked to create fliers to promote understanding. This project involved newborn insurance and early childhood education. The interns presented the supplemental information to the physicians at the CUC.
Reflections:
Dimitrios Bakatsias: “Having the opportunity to continue as a pediatric navigator has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have enjoyed getting to work as a part of the St. Christopher’s team to help support families. Whether that be through providing resources in the community, looping in a social worker, or getting to chat with the family about the importance of topics like oral health and reading, there was always something tangible that I could do to improve the visit. In addition, getting to work on the newborn insurance project to help newborn families enroll in insurance properly has been an eye-opening experience. There was so much that I didn’t know about the process, let alone what families knew about it. I’ve been able to talk to families, the registration team, and providers to figure out what the best way to address the issue is while simultaneously getting to witness resident teaching moments. Aside from that, getting to talk to the families, getting to know them, and getting to know their stories has been nothing short of a gift.”
Megan List: “I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to continue as a part of the team at St. Christopher’s. The energy and teamwork that is displayed by the staff is truly inspiring. This summer I’ve witnessed how St. Christopher’s functions not only as a medical clinic, but also as a social support hub for families. It’s a place where healthcare is intertwined with advocacy, access to legal aid, food assistance, housing navigation, and mental health services. I’ve had the opportunity to dig deep into many of the resources and expand what I’ve pictured as part of a medical visit. One of my main projects involved compiling and organizing resources to help families navigate early childhood education, particularly Philly Pre-K and Head Start. I came to understand how complex and inequitable the enrollment process can be, leaving me both frustrated with the system and hopeful that it will one day improve. Ultimately, the biggest gift of all was getting to talk with so many families about their lives. Being invited into those moments of trust, whether joyful or difficult, reminded me that medicine is as much about listening and connecting as it is about diagnosis and treatment. It was a privilege to be part of their care.”
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Summer Meals Programs and CAP4Kids
Summer Meals and CAP4Kids: Connecting Families with Community Resources
Student Interns:
Mohammad (Rafi) Chowdhury, Drexel University College of Medicine
Betty Jackson, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Stacy Ellen, DO, FAAP, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Daniel R. Taylor, DO, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Site:
Since its founding in 1875, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children has played a prominent role in pediatric healthcare. The hospital is known for its nationally acclaimed programs and skilled pediatric specialists, who deliver outstanding care to families across the Philadelphia region. Staying true to its mission of offering high-quality services in a compassionate and forward-thinking setting, St. Christopher’s collaborates with Nutritional Development Services (NDS), a program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. For more than four decades, NDS has addressed food insecurity by partnering with both Catholic and non-Catholic organizations to distribute millions of meals annually throughout the community.
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns focused on addressing food insecurity among children during the summer months, when school meal programs are unavailable. The meals were provided by Nutritional Development Services (NDS) and distributed at St. Christopher’s Hospital to pediatric patients, their families, and community members to ensure consistent access to nutritious meals. The work emphasized community outreach and the importance of meeting basic needs as part of holistic healthcare. In addition, the interns contributed to maintaining and updating the CAP4Kids Philadelphia website, an online resource that connects families with free and low-cost community services. The interns also helped families connect with available resources both within and outside of the hospital setting.
Reflections:
Mohammad (Rafi) Chowdhury and Betty Jackson: “CAP4Kids and the summer lunch distribution are of critical importance to the Philadelphia community, providing much-needed resources for our most vulnerable populations. It has been an incredible experience working at St. Christopher’s, where all of the staff members have demonstrated a strong level of compassion and genuine concern for the community. Oftentimes, we would receive unprompted support from so many different departments, including signs and hospital-wide announcements publicizing the free lunches. Our interactions with the families receiving lunches truly filled our hearts with gratitude, seeing the joy of little ones and parents alike, especially when a child hears about chocolate milk. Though we are less likely to witness the impact of the CAP4Kids website, we know that this is an indispensable tool easing accessibility for any Philadelphia family in need. This is a valuable site that many rely on during these summer months, and we were so lucky to be a part of it.”
Sunrise of Philadelphia Summer Camp
Sunrise of Philadelphia: All About the Kids
Student Interns:
Stephanie-Louise Agyemang, Drexel University College of Medicine
Catherine Turner, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health
Academic Preceptor:
Tariem Burroughs, PhD, MSEd, MSODL, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health
Community Preceptors:
Shania Boone, Sunrise of Philadelphia
Morgyn Yates, PhD, Sunrise of Philadelphia
Community Site:
Sunrise of Philadelphia offers a free summer camp to families living in the Philadelphia area. The camp provides enriching and educational activities along with free breakfast, lunch, and snack services. Sunrise also provides weekly field trips for the kids to play, learn, and feel supported.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked alongside community members to provide excellent summer camp experiences for the children attending Sunrise of Philadelphia. One intern worked with an elementary-aged group and the other with a middle school-aged group to create fun and lively daily activities on various health topics, STEM literacy, arts and crafts, and daily physical movement. Along with Sunrise employees, the interns, ensured that each child received breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day.
Reflections:
Stephanie-Louise Agyemang and Catherine Turner: “In the words of Dr. Morgyn Yates, ‘We hope to teach the children that they should be advocates for themselves, never let their past dictate their future, and understand that whatever happened before in their lives should hold no bearing on their future.’ The BTG CHIP experience at Sunrise of Philadelphia allowed both of us to work closely with children ranging from second and third grade to middle school. Sunrise provided a platform for us to collaborate with staff from the Science Leadership Academy Middle School to create lesson plans focused on teaching essential life skills. In supporting these children, we recognized that while academic success is important, equipping students with life skills and the ability to adapt to change or new environments is equally vital. These lessons included topics such as hygiene (e.g., handwashing and toothbrushing), online safety, financial literacy, mental health, artistic expression, and professionalism. Sunrise of Philadelphia challenged us to think creatively about how we delivered these lessons. We created a fun and safe environment that encouraged students to build meaningful relationships and to feel invested in their own growth. Although the communities these children are born into may lack access to many resources, Sunrise serves as a radical advocate, working to help families see opportunity and growth. As we look to our future careers in healthcare, we aim to carry these same values forward by treating every individual with dignity and offering them the same clean slate that Sunrise extends to each student. This is because ‘whatever happened before in their lives should hold no bearing on their future.’”
To Our Children’s Future With Health
To Our Children’s Future With Health Summer Achievers
Student Intern:
Hassan Abbas Shenasa, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Jerome Wright, MSW, LSW, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Charmaine Sudler Milligan, Director of Services, To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc.
Community Site:
To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc. (TOCFWH) is a community-driven nonprofit organization founded in 1992 by Dr. Robin Foster-Drain. This organization provides many services revolving around education, community health, and mental health for both youth and adults. In addition to these services, TOCFWH collaborates with other organizations to further develop and maintain the Nicetown-Tioga community.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern worked with teachers and other staff at Kenderton Elementary School as part of a summer educational camp. The first half of each day focused primarily on math, English, and reading, while the second half of the day focused more on artistic activities, social and emotional learning, drama, and GSK Science in the Summer. Additionally, a field trip was scheduled each Friday so students could have fun and connect more with their classmates. As part of the Bridging the Gaps program, the intern provided oral health supplies as well as information on cardiovascular and oral health.
Reflection:
Hassan Abbas Shenasa: “Through the BTG CHIP program, I have gained a lot of experience working with children and finding different ways to explain concepts that they may have difficulty with, which is something I believe will be very helpful when working with pediatric patients. Additionally, through my conversations with the staff at TOCFWH, I have heard firsthand accounts of how COVID and recent governmental policies have negatively impacted the Nicetown-Tioga community, and the educational challenges students face as result of these events. I have gained a better understanding of the Nicetown-Tioga community as well as the barriers families face, which ultimately affects their health and access to care. These are experiences that will stay with me throughout my career in medicine, and I believe it will allow me to provide more mindful care to the communities I serve.”