African Family Health Organization (AFAHO)

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Where Public Health Meets Belonging

 

Student Interns:

Isaiah Dawid, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Mauryce Thomas II, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

 

Academic Preceptors:

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

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:
Elizabeth Porter, MEd, African Family Health Organization

 

Community Site:
Located near Africatown in Southwest Philadelphia, the African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) is dedicated to serving persons in the African/Caribbean diaspora. AFAHO works to help strengthen the community and facilitate social integration through the utilization of a peer support model. AFAHO assesses the needs of its community members to help them flourish.

https://afaho.org/

 

Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns were tasked with helping with the communal food pantry, hosted once every two weeks by AFAHO in partnership with Philabundance, which supplies the food. Additionally, the interns helped run a summer camp for secondary and postsecondary students. During this camp, interns planned and hosted STEM-based workshops; assisted with outdoor games and activities; and provided English, math, and résumé-building skill sessions.

 

Reflections:

The interns time at AFAHO was eye opening to the diversity of the ACIR experience. Both Mauryce and Isaiah came in potentially wanting to serve this population in their careers and eager to learn more about the intricacies of these communities. From navigating generational divides to confronting the fear of ICE raids, they witnessed firsthand how injustice manifests in both daily routines and institutional systems. These experiences challenged the interns to better discern the needs of a community from an interdisciplinary perspective. Isaiah leaves the program knowing he would like to incorporate some elements of community care he saw at AFAHO into his future dental practice. Mauryce leaves with a greater understanding of the intricacies of the immigration process and the importance of language.

 

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American Heart Association, Breathe Free PA

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Clearing the Air: A Path to Make Casinos Smoke-Free

 

Student Interns:

Sophia Keang, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Harsha Meduru, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

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 Preceptors:

Brad Cary, Pennsylvania Government Relations Director, American Heart Association

Traci Kennedy, MPA, Midwest States Strategist, American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation ​

 

Community Site:
The American Heart Association is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Through research, public education, advocacy, and community programs, the AHA works to enhance cardiovascular health, promote healthy lifestyles, and reduce health disparities nationwide.

https://www.heart.org/

 

The American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation is a nonprofit based in Berkeley, California, with a national reach. It focuses on protecting the public from exposure to secondhand smoke by educating communities, supporting smoke-free policy development, and promoting tobacco control efforts. ANRF’s mission is to preserve and advance the right of all people to breathe smoke-free air, especially in workplaces and public environments, with a focus on vulnerable and historically underserved populations.

https://no-smoke.org/

 

Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked on a project that focused on legislative and advocacy efforts to eliminate the casino smoking loophole (a result of Pennsylvania’s 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act) and promote equitable public health protections for casino workers. The interns collaborated with the American Heart Association and the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation to support the passage of a comprehensive indoor smoking ban that includes casinos. The work included researching health impacts, reviewing legislative history, and drafting advocacy materials to be published on blogs and local news outlets. The final product was an op-ed titled “It’s Time to Clear the Air; Make Casinos Smoke-Free,” aimed at raising public awareness and building support for HB 880, also known as the Updates to the Clean Indoor Air Act bill.

 

Reflections:

Sophia Keang: “This internship showed me how deeply interconnected the healthcare field is with the legislative system. Healthcare providers hold a powerful role in public health advocacy, using clinical knowledge to fight for policies that protect entire communities, not just within the clinical setting. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to engage in hands-on advocacy through healthcare policy while working alongside students and professionals from diverse disciplines. This experience strengthened my skills in collaboration, adaptability, and effective teamwork — all of which are essential in real-world healthcare and advocacy work focused on overlooked and marginalized communities. In spaces like casinos, where visitors come and go but workers remain, lasting protections are critical. Advocacy ensures that no matter how transient a space may seem, the people within it are not forgotten.”

 

Harsha Meduru: “Working with the American Heart Association was truly eye-opening. I was surprised to learn that despite the widespread progress in smoke-free policies, significant exemptions still exist, particularly in casinos. This experience made me realize the vital role of advocacy and policymaking in healthcare. As a future healthcare provider, I now understand that being involved in policy work is just as important as providing clinical care. Actively contributing to policy change is essential to protect and improve public health, especially for vulnerable populations. I am incredibly grateful to have been exposed to this different side of healthcare, one that reminds me that meaningful change can also happen outside of traditional healthcare environments.”

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American Lung Association

 

Fighting Flavor: Addressing Youth Vaping Through Legislative Advocacy

 

Student Intern:

Durgha Natrajan, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

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:

Elizabeth Hensil, Director, Advocacy for PA and WV, American Lung Association

 

Community Site:

The American Lung Association is a national nonprofit dedicated to improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy, and research. Founded in 1904, the organization works to reduce tobacco use; promote clean air; advance lung disease research; and support patients with conditions like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. It plays a key role in shaping public health policy and empowering communities with resources to protect respiratory health, especially among vulnerable and underserved populations.

https://www.lung.org

 

Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern focused on educating Pennsylvania legislators about the health risks of flavored vaping products and advocating for policy change to protect youth. Working with the American Lung Association, the intern helped translate clinical and public health evidence into accessible language for lawmakers, creating a one-page informational handout summarizing key statistics and oral health risks associated with flavored vape use. The handout was distributed during legislative meetings. The work highlighted the disconnect between policymakers’ knowledge and public health data, aiming to fill that gap through direct engagement and education.

 

Reflections:

Durgha Natrajan: “This experience had a lasting impact on both my professional and personal development as a dental student. Working with the American Lung Association on flavored vape product advocacy provided a valuable opportunity to bridge clinical training with public policy. Engaging directly with legislators revealed how critical it is for health professionals to be active participants in advocacy, especially when public understanding of health risks is limited. The experience has reinforced the importance of oral health in broader public health conversations and sparked a long-term interest in integrating health policy and community engagement into my future career as a dentist.”

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Beyond Literacy

 

Bridging the Gaps: Health and Literacy Collaboration

 

Student Interns:

Wendy Chavez, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Agnes Duch, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

 

Academic Preceptor:

Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

 

Community Preceptor:

Mercy Howard, Student Support Coordinator, Beyond Literacy

 

Community Site:

Beyond Literacy (BeLit) opens doors for adults and families by using the power of literacy to transform lives. As Philadelphia’s largest literacy organization, BeLit offers free, high-quality education to help learners strengthen their skills in reading, writing, math, English language, digital tools, and job readiness. Its programs guide students from education to employment, supporting their growth as learners, active community members, and future professionals.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked with Beyond Literacy (BeLit) on its West and Center City Philadelphia campuses to support the mission of improving adult literacy. Their focus was on health literacy and promotion, especially around topics such as cardiovascular health, oral hygiene, and stress management. Together, the interns created and delivered bilingual presentations, interactive activities, and handouts tailored to BeLit’s adult learners. As a final product, they compiled a digital folder of health education resources for the sites to use beyond their time there.

 

Reflections:

Wendy Chavez and Agnes Duch: “When we began our placement at Beyond Literacy, we felt genuinely welcomed and came to appreciate the crucial role BeLit plays in the community. Our time there offered a closer look at how nonprofit organizations operate and revealed the very real barriers (economic, educational, and systemic) that many people face when trying to access care. Additionally, working with our community preceptor, Mercy, and our co-intern from Vanderbilt exposed us to new ideas for facilitating health education sessions on topics that are often overlooked. Alongside the GED and ESL teachers, we learned how interdisciplinary teamwork can expand the reach and relevance of health interventions. This experience reshaped our understanding of community care. We realized that making an impact doesn’t require a perfect system or place — just presence, consistency, and the willingness to listen. Through our engagement with BeLit learners, many of whom became avid participants in our workshops, we deepened our empathy. This summer at BeLit reaffirmed our commitment to becoming nurses who center dignity, trust, and compassion in all aspects of care inside and outside hospital walls.”

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Children First

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Reconnecting and Reorganizing: Enhancing Coalition Communication and Outreach for Children First’s Lead-Free Promise Project

 

Student Intern:

Stephanie Ruiz-Torres, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

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:

Kaanan Raja, MPH, Health Policy Associate, Children First

 

Community Site:

Children First, formerly known as Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), serves as the leading child advocacy organization working to improve the lives and life chances of children in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Children First works to improve the lives of the region’s children by developing initiatives and advocating for quality healthcare, childcare, public education, and family stability. The tough challenges children face today do not lend themselves to simple solutions. With a strong reputation and history as a unique organization advocating across a range of children’s issues, Children First leverages the power of community-based coalitions to pressure government officials, legislators, and policymakers to take necessary action to give every child the opportunity to thrive. The organization’s policy work is focused on four main areas: early childhood education/childcare, public education (K-12), health and behavioral healthcare, and system-involved youth (juvenile justice and foster care). Children First is a leader in family inclusion and places parent/caregiver voice at the heart of its advocacy through the Parents Empowered for Change program.

https://www.childrenfirstpa.org

https://paleadfree.org/

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student intern focused on reengaging more than 400 members of the Lead-Free Promise Project (LFPP) coalition who had previously participated in advocacy or outreach efforts. The intern led outreach efforts by contacting each member via phone or email to confirm or update their information and introduce a new membership tier system, then reorganized the coalition spreadsheet to include fields indicating the date of last contact and confirmation, enhancing its accuracy and usability. In addition, the intern conducted literature research on two key topics: the correlation between lead exposure and oral health, used to create a fact sheet for community outreach, and the use of filter paper as a method for testing lead exposure in children. The latter research was compiled into a literature review to be shared with the LFPP screening committee for analysis. The intern also reviewed and updated a resource guide for care management of a child who presents with elevated blood lead levels, calling the listed organizations to verify the accuracy of grant information, contact names, websites, and phone numbers to ensure that families receive the most up-to-date support and information. Throughout the summer, the intern also assisted Children First staff during meetings, tabling events, and with daily organizational needs. Final products included a streamlined coalition contact system and two educational resources to support outreach and screening efforts.

 

Reflections:

Stephanie Ruiz-Torres: “Being a Bridging the Gaps intern this summer and having the opportunity to work with Children First has been a deeply meaningful and transformative experience that I will take with me on my personal and professional journey. Entering the program, I had little knowledge about lead poisoning and its devastating impact on families across Pennsylvania, particularly in communities of color. Through this experience, I not only learned about the issue itself but gained insight into the systems and advocacy efforts working to combat it. Reaching out to coalition members by phone or email was both rewarding and humbling. Each interaction reminded me that I was representing a trusted organization, and it pushed me to be attentive, empathetic, and professional, always striving to offer a voice that was kind, respectful, and informed. I also cherished the sense of community within the Children First team; their warmth, dedication, and mentorship made me feel welcomed and supported every step of the way. I am truly grateful for this experience, which has strengthened my commitment to public health, advocacy, and community engagement.”

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College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Mütter Museum 

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Mütter Museum: Crime Busters 

 

Student Interns:

Van Anh Tran, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Michelle Wang, 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

Renee Kottenhahn, MD, FAAP, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Sara Ray, PhD, Mütter Museum 

 

Community Site:

The Mütter Museum, located in Center City, invites visitors to explore the fascinating history of medicine through its beautifully preserved collections of anatomical specimens, medical instruments, and models, presented in the style of a 19th-century cabinet museum. Through these displays, visitors are encouraged to reflect on the complexity and resilience of the human body, and to discover how medical understanding and care have evolved over time. 

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted community preceptors, including staff from the Mütter’s education department and the senior director of interpretation and engagement, in developing academic lesson plans on forensic science topics. The curriculum will culminate in a comprehensive “Crime Busters” competition for students, after the course is completed. The curriculum will be implemented in the upcoming academic year for the two after-school programs, Out4STEM and Girls One Diaspora. Held once a week at the Mütter Museum, Out4Stem and Girls One are after-school programs that teach science to openly queer high school students and female students from the African diaspora. The interns also revised currently instated lesson plans, including those the Mütter uses to teach about antibiotics, microbes, and bone identification. 

 

Reflections:

Van Anh Tran and Michelle Wang: “This summer was a rewarding experience to be able to create a curriculum from the ground up, based on a popular and interesting science topic. Even though we will not be able to fully implement the course during our time at the Mütter, it was valuable to establish relationships and collaborate with the museum educators. This project encouraged us to be creative and think about new ways to teach students about science, including engaging them through storytelling and speaking to them as if they were real investigators. We hope that the students who participate in Crime Busters will be inspired to explore potential careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.” 

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Covenant House Pennsylvania

 

Empowering Youth Through Resilience-Based Care and Community Connection

 

Student Interns:

Puneeth Guruprasad, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Natasa Rohacs, 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

 

Community Preceptors:

Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MSEd, FAAP, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

David Reis, Covenant House Pennsylvania

 

Community Site:

Covenant House Pennsylvania (CHPA) provides safe shelter, housing programs, and supportive services for young people aged 18 to 24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and human trafficking. CHPA welcomes all youth with unconditional love, absolute respect, and relentless support, offering a safe place 24/7 at no cost.

https://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-shelters/philadelphia-pennsylvania

 

Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns provided supervised healthcare, including intakes and sick visits, in the shelter clinic with a deep focus on strengths-based communication. During days without provider coverage, the interns provided medical case management, emotional support, and career-building workshops for youth in the shelter. Outside of these roles, the interns formed longitudinal relationships with the youth that promoted growth into resilient, secure, and healthy adulthood.

 

Reflections:

Puneeth Guruprasad and Natasa Rohacs: “Our experience at Covenant House was transformative. We saw firsthand how systemic injustice intersects with health, and how trauma-sensitive, strengths-based care can begin to repair that harm. Each interaction challenged us to slow down, to listen more deeply, and to see our patients as whole people with complex lives and powerful resilience. We were reminded that presence itself is healing. Working alongside an extraordinary team of clinicians, case managers, and volunteers, we learned how to hold space for our patients’ stories while also building sustainable systems that extend care beyond the clinic. This summer reinforced our commitment to community-driven medicine and showed us that clinical care, at its best, can be a form of advocacy, accompaniment, and love.”

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Educators for Education (E4E)

 

Pathways to Success: Guiding Philadelphia Youth Toward Professional and Personal Excellence

 

Student Interns:

Holly Akabuo, Drexel University College of Medicine

Zaria Beckley, Drexel University College of Medicine

Michael Jin, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Sydney Lam, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Yashvi Shah, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Kristen Ryczak, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Anthony Singleton, President/Executive Officer, Educators for Education

 

Community Site:

Educators for Education (E4E) works with youth across the city of Philadelphia to provide educational services, professional development/training, advocacy, and social support. E4E offers a wide array of programs and services, including mentoring, summer camps, tutoring, job and career coaching, professional development, and more.

https://www.educators4education.org/

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted E4E with various projects, primarily focusing on the development and management of a healthcare and STEM career camp for 20 male high school students and recent graduates, as well as a job readiness and career development camp for six female high school students and recent graduates. The interns delivered presentations and led interactive workshops on academic and professional topics such as résumé writing, interview skills, professional communication, and public speaking, and more. In collaboration with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, the interns led discussions on emotional regulation, communication styles, and public speaking for local youth. They also played a key role in organizing a youth job fair, reaching out to vendors across Philadelphia to participate in the event. Additionally, the interns wrote articles highlighting E4E partnerships for inclusion in a community newsletter and provided ongoing support for other E4E programming.

 

Reflections:

Holly Akabuo, Zaria Beckley, Michael Jin, Sydney Lam, and Yashvi Shah: “Partnering with E4E to empower teenagers across Philadelphia to pursue their academic and professional aspirations has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Over the course of just seven weeks, we have built meaningful relationships with these young individuals while equipping them with essential skills that will support their future success. At the same time, we have gained invaluable lessons of patience, empathy, adaptability, and collaboration — qualities that we will continue to demonstrate to patients and professional peers as future healthcare providers. We are immensely proud of the growth, engagement, and resilience the students have shown, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in their academic and career journeys.”

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Get Fresh Daily

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Rooted in Impact: Cultivating Plant-Based Wellness With Get Fresh Daily

 

Student Interns:

Autumn Carstensen, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Jenna Patel, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

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:

Jiana Murdic, MS, Founder and Director, Get Fresh Daily

 

Community Site:

Get Fresh Daily is an organization committed to promoting education about wellness and healthy living to individuals of all ages within the Black community. Through its community gardens, educational programs, summer camps, farmers markets, Fresh Takes produce boxes, and community wellness events, the organization introduces individuals to the joys of gardening, the value of nutritious eating, and the healing powers of nature. Through its Black-Owned Farmers Markets, Get Fresh Daily helps support local farms and businesses in distributing fresh produce to the West Philadelphia community. At the heart of this site is Freedom Greens + Gardens, a welcoming and inclusive space where community groups and partners can gather, build relationships, and connect with nature.

https://www.getfreshdaily.org/

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns served as camp counselors during Camp Excellence, a wellness-focused day camp for students in first through eighth grades. The interns assisted the counselors and junior counselors, facilitated the arts and crafts and fun and games workshops, and supervised the campers throughout the day. Beyond their work at camp, the interns contributed to the upkeep of Freedom Greens + Gardens by watering the crops, harvesting and preparing produce for the Black Farmers Markets, and managing the Get Fresh Daily table on market days. Additionally, they developed a comprehensive, user-friendly database, compiling seasonal produce lists, nutritional information, and recipes from past Get Fresh Daily newsletters to support easy future access and use.

 

Reflections:

Autumn Carstensen: “This summer, I saw how public health can come to life through simple relationships, creativity, and trust. At Get Fresh Daily, I learned that health education works best when it’s hands-on, enjoyable, and understandable. I saw how systemic barriers show up in everyday moments and how small acts, like sharing produce at a local farmers market or teaching a health skill via children’s-toy props, can have a big impact. This experience deepened our commitment to working in community health and meeting people where they are while doing so.”

 

Jenna Patel: “Working at Get Fresh Daily this summer was such a memorable experience. I enjoyed spending time outdoors as a camp counselor and in Freedom Greens + Gardens. I met many wonderful individuals along the way and will cherish our conversations. As a camp counselor, I truly enjoyed bonding with the kids while we played Uno and soccer or drew on the sidewalk with chalk. I had as much fun interacting with the campers as I believe they did with me. Gardening, one of my favorite childhood pastimes, was also rewarding. The Freedom Greens + Gardens is a welcoming, inclusive, and peaceful community space in West Philadelphia. Working in the garden highlighted the lack of access to nutritious food as a result of various social determinants of health. I admire how Get Fresh Daily is committed to its community, aiming to educate, provide wellness, and arrange opportunities for community members to have access to healthy food. I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent at Get Fresh Daily and will remember all of the insights I received from those around me as I move forward in my dental career.”

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Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center

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Building Community to Promote Health and Wellness for Adults with Intellectual Disability and Mental Illness

 

Student Interns:

Nashita Ali, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Matilda Brilleman, 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

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:

Beverly Bradley, Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center

Angelo Cirrincione, Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center

 

Community Site:

The Hall-Mercer Community Behavioral Health Center of Pennsylvania Hospital is dedicated to enriching the lives of people affected by mental illness or developmental disabilities. The center has played a significant role in broadening the acceptance and advancing the care of people with psychiatric disorders or intellectual disabilities.

https://www.med.upenn.edu/hallmercer/

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns supported the Adult Day Program, which provides socialization and wellness services, including group therapy, community engagement, exercise, and health education. In addition to building relationships with clients, the interns developed programming to integrate cardiovascular and oral health in fun and interactive ways. The interns designed and implemented art projects, smoothie-making, an oral health presentation with demonstrations, and a health-related Jeopardy game. These activities were aimed at promoting positive attitudes around nutrition, physical activity, and personal hygiene while also addressing the role of mental health on health behaviors.

 

Reflections:

Nashita Ali: “Working at Hall-Mercer this summer was an eye-opening experience, and working with the clients has opened my eyes to the importance of oral health and overall health in adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues.”

 

Matilda Brilleman: “As a medical student with an interest in primary care, I was able to hear firsthand experiences that made me think more about my future role as a provider and the kinds of life challenges my future patients may face.”​​

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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.

https://hmsschool.org/

 

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.”

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Mothers in Charge, Inc.

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Stopping the Silence, Preventing the Violence

 

Student Interns:

Sonia Dalal, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Celes LeFleur, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

 

Academic Preceptors:

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

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:

Dorothy Johnson-Speight, EdD, MHS, LPC, Founder and National Executive Director, Mothers In Charge, Inc. (MIC)

 

Community Site:

Mothers In Charge is a nonprofit violence prevention organization based in Philadelphia that serves individuals and families of various ages who are impacted by gun violence. The organization was founded out of necessity and is passionately committed to fostering a safer community through services such as grief support, anger management, reentry services, education, outreach, intervention, and advocacy. Mothers In Charge uses the PIE approach to reducing gun violence: prevention, intervention, and education.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns observed and participated in weekly group services such as anger management and grief support. The interns worked closely with the Mothers In Charge staff to assist in community outreach efforts through tabling events, annual fundraisers, and youth programs. The interns also created pamphlets and bookmarks focused on oral health, cardiovascular health, and trauma that included educational content and QR codes listing available resources in Philadelphia. 

 

Reflections:

Sonia Dalal: “Working with Mothers In Charge grounded me in what community care actually looks like. Every week, I sat in on grief and anger management sessions, where I learned that healing is not linear, and sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is just be there [to offer] an ear, a shoulder, a hand. Quiet, present, and willing to listen. Along the way, I met people who welcomed me into deeply personal moments, who showed up for each other while carrying so much themselves. Their strength, honesty, and openness taught me what it really means to hold space for someone. This summer shifted how I think about care. It’s not always about finding solutions; sometimes it’s just about being there through the hard parts. It’s about trust, consistency, and showing up even when it’s heavy. I’ll carry that with me moving forward, in the way I listen, the way I show up, and the way I hope to care for others, in dentistry and in everything I do.”

 

Celes LeFleur: “My time working with Mothers In Charge has been a truly wonderful experience that I will cherish for the entirety of my professional career and personal life. I am truly grateful for the connections I have made with the staff and the Philadelphia community. Mothers In Charge and its members have shown me the power of resilience and hope, even in the face of loss. I continually find myself in awe of how kind, giving, and courageous the Mothers In Charge community is, and I have learned the power of acceptance and the importance of community. Although challenging at times, hearing the stories of individuals impacted by violence, trauma, grief, and incarceration has taught me the importance of listening to others’ stories with compassion, empathy, and without judgment. Mothers In Charge has illuminated me on issues of gun violence and systemic inequalities, which will be invaluable within my professional practice as a future social worker.”

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Nationalities Service Center (NSC)

 

NSC: Witnessing Perseverance and Resilience Within Immigrant and Refugee Populations

 

Student Interns:

Siddiqa Faruki, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Hannah Park, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

 

Academic Preceptors:

Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Zoë Van Orsdol, MA, MPH, Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health

 

Community Preceptor:

Kara Friesen, MA, Associate Director of Health Services, Nationalities Service Center

 

Community Site:

Since 1922, Nationalities Service Center (NSC) has been committed to serving refugees and immigrants in the Greater Philadelphia area, assisting approximately 5,000 clients annually in recent years. NSC supports newcomers from more than 100 countries and offers multiple resources to help clients build a foundation of independence, including programs and services for legal protection, language access, community integration, employment supports, and healthcare navigation. NSC’s mission is to empower immigrant and refugee communities and to see them thrive.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked with the Health Access and Innovative Support Program for Immigrant and Refugee Empowerment (INSPIRE) teams, focusing on navigating the healthcare system and providing social support. The interns connected clients to healthcare services and social benefits such as SNAP, SSI, public transportation, adaptive equipment, and healthcare screenings. The interns also helped clients make and navigate healthcare appointments and escorted clients to these visits to advocate for cultural humility and accessible interpretation. With support from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the interns developed resources to educate clients on the significance of smoking cessation, detailing the health benefits of quitting and offering a list of supportive resources to be disseminated after translation. The interns also created a safe space for clients to voice their concerns and needs and facilitated accessible support to ultimately promote clients’ journeys toward independence and self-sufficiency.

 

Reflections:

Siddiqa Faruki: “My time at NSC has deepened my appreciation for immigrants and refugees more than ever. I was inspired by how perseverant they are for themselves and their families. As individuals, their resilience and strength have left a lasting impact on me. Witnessing them navigate through financial, linguistic, and healthcare challenges reminded me of the strength it takes to rebuild a life in a new place, similar to how my immigrant parents had to readjust. At the Survivors of Trauma (SOT) clinic at Penn Dental, I connected clients to vital and free dental services. Next, with the Wellness team, I had the opportunity to support them through appointment escorts. My work with INSPIRE gave me the opportunity to understand the daily lives of clients through home visits, where we worked on accessing healthcare services that address some social determinants of health, like SNAP, transportation, education, affordable housing, and appointment scheduling. While there were moments of frustration and limitations, I found deep fulfillment in being part of a team that reflects on work similar to my immigrant background. I gained immense respect for the social workers who carry this work with such care and dedication. Above all, I was inspired by the clients themselves, their determination, humility, and hope. I am sad to see my time at NSC come to an end, but I am grateful for all that I have learned through these communities, and I am committed to continuing to support them with dignity and compassion in the future.”

 

Hannah Park: “My experience at NSC was a beautiful testament to the strength and resilience of the refugee community. It has been my privilege to be intimately involved with our clients’ unique journeys and to learn how to warmly encourage steps towards growth in each scenario. Every day at the office brings the distinct honor of celebrating clients’ milestones and wins together, big or small; it never fails to amaze me just how much empowering and building up our clients’ confidence and independence can impact their resettlement experience. These families go on not just to simply live but to thrive. The vital intersection between health access and social support was always at the forefront of my work, reaffirming a deep need and my growing passion to advocate for systematic change towards holistic, informed care. NSC’s direct fieldwork opportunities opened my eyes to just how much power and privilege I hold as a citizen and future healthcare provider, and the need for attention to our approach in every interaction leaves undeniable, lasting marks on our patients’ trust and health outcomes. I want to take my experiences and conversations with our clients to become a trauma-sensitive, culturally humble provider who can fight for the dignity, respect, and quality of healthcare my patients deserve.”

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No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc.

 

More Than Products: Listening, Learning, and Supporting Community

 

Student Interns:

Racquel Giro, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

McKenna Mooshian, 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 Preceptors:

Nya McGlone, MS, Co-founder and COO, No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc.

Lynette Medley, MEd, Co-founder and CEO, No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc.

 

Community Site:

No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc. is a Black-women-led nonprofit based in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, founded to address period poverty, menstrual stigma, and inequity in access to hygiene. Their groundbreaking initiative, The SPOT Period, the first menstrual and uterine wellness hub in the nation, offers free menstrual products, health education, and a safe, welcoming space for underserved communities. The organization hosts wellness events for all ages and reaches even more communities through a mobile clinic offering education and care on the move. Since launching, they have distributed more than 22 million products and continue to lead in advocacy, research, and menstrual equity.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns supported No More Secrets this summer with pop-up events and events for young girls in the community and scheduled appointments for product distribution, which included picking up several months’ supply of menstrual products. The interns helped assemble bags with preferred products and offered education sessions. They assisted with pop-up events, helping to display products on tables for easy grab-and-go and to educate young women about the types of products. Their main project of the summer was planning and facilitating daytime slumber parties for preteen girls in the community. The interns helped plan and set up one slumber party at the beginning of the summer and facilitate another toward the end. These events included food, games, movies, a journaling activity, and a mini education session on periods.

 

Reflections:

Racquel Giro: “Spending the summer at No More Secrets has been an incredibly eye-opening experience that reshaped how I view community care and public health. As a dental student, I came into this internship expecting to focus on education and outreach, but I quickly realized that this work was about so much more than sharing knowledge. No More Secrets models what it means to show up for people in ways that are affirming, trauma-informed, and rooted in love. I was moved by how something as seemingly simple as handing out menstrual products could carry so much meaning when it’s done with intention, respect, and understanding. Being part of the daily operations, from assembling bags for appointments to helping with pop-up events, helped me see how much thought goes into every single interaction at The SPOT. It’s not just about distributing products — it’s about restoring dignity, building trust, and creating safe spaces for people who are often overlooked or stigmatized. This experience made me reflect deeply on how I want to show up for my future patients. It reminded me that technical skill is only one part of care — what matters just as much is how we make people feel. The staff at No More Secrets model empathy in action, and I’ll carry that example with me into my career. I’m so grateful to have worked with such passionate and fearless leaders, and to have been part of a mission that is actively shifting the narrative around menstrual health. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”

 

McKenna Mooshian: “This summer at No More Secrets taught me a lot about working with the community and the value that organizations like this have in people’s lives. This experience has opened my eyes to the impact that listening to and learning from the community can have in relation to providing both education and healthcare. As a nursing student, I will take a lot of my observations and insights from this internship and apply them to my future career. One big takeaway from this summer is that just showing up and being there to support someone is enough. Taking the time to just talk with, listen to, and show empathy for a struggling member of the community is so important, something that No More Secrets does every day. Of course they provide menstrual products, but they also provide education, a listening ear, and a safe space to just be. No More Secrets is such a unique organization, shedding light on an issue that is too often overlooked, especially in our current political climate. Not only are they providing products to people that need them, but they are actively working to break cycles of shame, misinformation, and neglect surrounding menstrual health. I am very grateful to have spent the summer working with such inspirational people and helping to make a difference in the community.”

 

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Old Pine Community Center (OPCC)

 

Building Healthier Communities Through Food and Summer Learning

 

Student Interns:

Ronnie Macauley, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Meggie Qu, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

 

Academic Preceptors:

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

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:

Mark Atwood, Executive Director, Old Pine Community Center

 

Community Site:

Old Pine Community Center (OPCC) is a nonprofit organization based in Society Hill. OPCC collaborates with neighborhood community partners to support three programs: food (including food donation), children (including summer camp and after-school programs), and community engagement. Since 1977, OPCC has supported the local community by offering engaging programs and services centered on children and families, addressing food insecurity, and fostering community involvement. Additionally, OPCC offers rental space for private events, celebrations, sports activities, and neighborhood gatherings.

https://oldpinecommunitycenter.org/

 

Team’s Experience:

As part of the food program, the Bridging the Gaps student interns helped prepare 300 meals for summer camp children, working in collaboration with organizations like Depaul USA and Puentes de Salud. Every Tuesday and Friday, the interns joined other volunteers in the kitchen to prepare meals, and they packed more than 100 grocery bags each week for individuals in need. The interns also sent donation inquiry emails and visited local restaurants and grocery stores seeking potential donations. As part of the summer camp program, the interns engaged children by teaching proper oral hygiene techniques, introducing STEM-based careers such as the roles of various health scientists, and promoting nutrition education in partnership with the Franklin Institute.

 

Reflections:

Ronnie Macauley: “My time at OPCC was incredibly rewarding and insightful, allowing me to gain valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the local community. I am thankful for the opportunity to work alongside the kindhearted staff and volunteers, who embody the true spirit of community. This experience has shaped my perspective on community engagement and allowed me to serve those in need. It has also deepened my passion for addressing food insecurity and giving back to the Philadelphia community. OPCC has profoundly impacted both my life and my future career as a healthcare professional, and I will carry these lessons forward in everything I do.”

 

Meggie Qu: “Working at a community center right in the middle of a historic churchyard has been such a peaceful and meaningful experience. I feel really lucky to be in a space that brings together people from so many different backgrounds. It’s amazing to see the basketball court being shared by lawyers and summer camp kids under the same roof. The staff here are incredibly kind and hardworking, and they’ve made my time here so special.”

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Philadelphia Family Pride

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Paths to Parenthood: Family Planning in the LGBTQ+ Community

 

Student Intern:

Andrew Thayer, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

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:

Michael R. Galvan, MS, Philadelphia Family Pride

 

Community Site:

Philadelphia Family Pride is the Greater Philadelphia region’s premier nonprofit organization dedicated to building community and supporting LGBTQ+ parents, aspiring parents, and families through educational programming, resource distribution, and advocacy.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student intern focused on planning, organizing, and facilitating Philadelphia Family Pride’s annual Paths to Parenthood lecture series on LGBTQ+ family planning. This signature educational program is designed to guide and empower LGBTQ+ individuals and couples on their journey to starting their own families. This year, the course consisted of seven sessions and provided information on financial planning, legal considerations, choosing a sperm donor, achieving pregnancy with donated sperm, adopting, fostering, developing one’s parental identity, single parenting by choice, and more. The intern was responsible for the overall logistical coordination of the program, including philanthropic development via the procurement of sponsorships, curriculum planning, speaker recruitment and scheduling, management of social media campaigns and press releases, and community outreach.

 

Reflections:

Andrew Thayer: “As a dental student committed to engaging my community to address systemic inequalities in oral healthcare, interning with Philadelphia Family Pride was transformative. Working on the Paths to Parenthood course gave me firsthand experience in the kinds of community-driven organizing I hope to integrate into my practice throughout my dental career. I learned how to navigate the administrative and logistical work required to plan, coordinate, and execute public-facing programs. More importantly, I witnessed LGBTQ+ families come together to identify their own needs and create spaces of mutual aid and advocacy. Having done so, I now feel a renewed sense of purpose in using my role as a dental professional to make healthcare more equitable.”

 

 

Philadelphia FIGHT

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Strengthening Health Connections for Immigrant Families and PrEP Patients

 

Student Interns:

Victoria Garity-Fernández, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Karen Wang, 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

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

 

Community Preceptors:

Kate Cerrone, MSN, CRNP, Philadelphia FIGHT

Leah Scherzer, MD, Philadelphia FIGHT

Dana Serafin, CRNP, FNP-BC, Philadelphia FIGHT

Maggie Webb, MPH, Philadelphia FIGHT

 

Community Site:

Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers, located in Center City, provides high-quality, comprehensive primary care to address the physical and emotional health needs of children and adults. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), FIGHT welcomes all patients regardless of gender, race, color, sex, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, insurance status, or ability to pay.

https://fight.org/

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns at Philadelphia FIGHT focused on projects involving patient education, resources, and connection to care. One intern worked with the pediatrics team on an immigration project, focusing on accessible resources for immigrant families in Philadelphia, Upper Darby, and Lansdowne. Through this project, several bilingual resources were revised and redone, and many handouts and pamphlets were created in both English and Spanish for oral care, diet, and behavioral concerns. The intern also assisted with day-to-day interpreting. The other intern worked with the PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) team, which focuses on providing support to patients who are on pre-exposure prophylactic medications for HIV. The intern conducted outreach to patients who were overdue for a follow-up appointment or had been lost to care. Both interns created educational resources on the different forms of PrEP, the newly FDA-approved six-month injectable PrEP, and adult oral care.

 

Reflections:

Victoria Garity-Fernández: “The pediatrics, YHEP, and dental teams at FIGHT go above and beyond to care for families’ whole health, addressing not just physical needs, but also creating a sense of safety, support, and belonging in their communities. Their care extends well beyond annual checkups; families truly feel the genuine dedication of every team member. Kids leave with new books and a sense of acceptance I never imagined a doctor’s office could provide. They transform sterile medical spaces into warm, welcoming environments for people from all backgrounds. My time at FIGHT was eye-opening and challenged my perception of the healthcare field. The long-term relationships built between clients and social workers are essential to both patient health and the strength of the office. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) serve as the connective tissue across departments, supporting whole-person care, and the team deeply values their role. I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and for the lifelong connections I formed along the way.”

 

Karen Wang: “Working with the PrEP team at Philadelphia FIGHT has provided me with an invaluable learning experience this summer. Witnessing the team’s dedication to each patient in making sure they are able to access care and continue to take their medications has truly cemented what it means to provide patient-centered care. Whether this means helping patients apply for medication assistance, providing free samples of PrEP, or personally texting patients to remind them of their upcoming appointments, the team remains focused on each patient’s needs despite the conditions that may hinder care. I’ve seen the impact of this commitment to each individual in the ways that patients have expressed their gratitude and given me their trust when I mentioned that I am working with the PrEP team. HIV care and prevention has a long history of being stigmatized and underfunded. Having this opportunity to work with a team that is fully committed to HIV prevention has inspired me to bring a similar level of dedication and perseverance to my future practice.”

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