Join us in saying farewell and congratulations to our Graduate Interns for completing their internships!
Thank you,
(Top Row L-R)
Kara Applegate, Alyssa McFarlane, Victoria Warwick, Madelyn Owens
(Bottom Row L-R)
Margaret Bolanos, Avery Heimann, and Angela Konin
This dynamic group of aspiring professionals have worked hard alongside our HiTOPS staff in providing programming and services to young people. And, we want to thank them for the opportunity to learn from their fresh perspectives and unique experiences! We wish each of them the best in their future endeavors and work experiences.
Learn more about each of our graduate interns below:
Kara Applegate
She/her
MA Theological Studies Intern
Princeton Theological Seminary, Graduating in May
HiTOPS Department: Programs, Faith Initiative
Kara contributed to the depth and breadth of our Faith Initiative program through her original project. She collected stories from folks living at the intersection of faith and queer identities and presented them in virtual and physical spaces. Kara graduates this May from the Princeton Theological Seminary. Congrats, Kara!
Margaret Bolanos
She/her
MSW Intern
Rutgers University, Graduating in May 2021
HiTOPS Department: Programs
Margaret contributed to the development of our Latinx Sexual Health program by conducting a needs assessment of the adolescent Latinx community in New Jersey, with a special focus on undocumented youth. She facilitated focus groups, created sexual health surveys, completed a literature review, and conducted interviews with community leaders. Margaret ensured the voices of Latinx youth were represented in ways that official data sources often miss. She is a strong advocate for her community and embodies the social work value of cultural competency in everything she does. Thanks, Margaret! Congratulations!
Madelyn Owens
Any Pronouns
MSW/MPH Intern
Rutgers University, Graduating in May 2023
HiTOPS Department: Programs/ Support Groups
Madelyn worked with our Program Team to facilitate support groups for LGBTQ+ students and their families. In addition to her work at HiTOPS Madelyn also organizes with the Black Lives Matter Chapter at Rutgers School of Social Work and the Stonewall Health Alliance at the School of Public Health. Throughout her time with HiTOPS she embodied the social work value of service, social justice, and dignity and worth of people. Wishing Madelyn all the best! Thanks, Madelyn!
Victoria Warwick
She/Her
MSW Intern
Rutgers University, Graduating in May 2021
HiTOPS Department: Programs/ Peer Leadership Program
Tori contributed to the development of HiTOPS’ 2021 Teen Sexual Health Survey, facilitated 2 Peer Leadership focus groups with alumni, and contributed to the development and execution of 3 Sexual Health workshops with high school students from Foundations Academy. Tori ensured the voices of young people were represented and brought a number of strengths and excitement to all her work. She is a strong advocate for providing culturally appropriate and medically informed comprehensive sexual health to young people. Throughout her time with HiTOPS she embodied the social work value of service, dignity, and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships. Thanks, Tori! Congratulations!
Alyssa McFarlane
She/Her/Hers
MSW Intern
Rutgers University, Graduating in May 2022
HiTOPS Department: LGBTQ+ Youth Support Groups
Alyssa worked with our LGBTQ+ program staff to develop and co-facilitate support for LGBTQ+ youth. She currently holds a Master in Public Health which assists her in developing unique approaches to community work. In addition to interning, Alyssa also works in the mental health field as a Mental Health Specialist within a psychiatric ER. Lastly, Alyssa teaches yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and yoga philosophy. Throughout her time with HiTOPS Inc, Alyssa aimed to incorporate eastern practices of mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection. All of which assist her in the promotion of the social work values of service, the importance of human relationships, and encouraging the dignity and work of a person.
Angela Konin
She/her
MSW Intern
Rutgers University, Graduating in August 2021
HiTOPS Department: Education
Angela contributed to the education department’s work this year by refining and creating workshop material, teaching workshops, and creating supplemental materials for educators and families. Angela’s commitment to social work values is apparent in her work, as she aims for culturally responsible and accessible programming for all learners.
Avery Heimann
they/them
MSW Intern
Rutgers University, Graduating May 2021
HiTOPS Department: Education
Avery assisted HiTOPS this year with curriculum development and the rollout of several educational arcs for contracted schools and organizations, creating workshops, coordinating research climate surveys, and facilitating conversations about affirming spaces for youth of all identities.
Thank you to our 2020-2021 graduate interns! If you’re interested in a Fall 2021 to Spring 2022 internship contact Allison Hyland at ahyland@hitops.org.