This internship involves a collaboration with Dr. Jerome at Well Spring Child and Family Psychology and Spotsylvania County Schools. Dr. Jerome is a UMW alum (Class of 2002) and a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals (child and adult), couples, and families. She has specialized training in treating the effects of trauma, chronic stress, and early relationship/attachment disruptions. She has developed a Mindfulness Program which comes with a google slides presentation with comprehensive presenter notes, and embedded recorded meditations. This internship will involve being trained on this mindfulness curriculum by Dr. Jerome and implementing this curriculum in a variety of elementary classrooms (grades 3-5) in Spotsylvania county. Lisa Dolan, head social worker of Spotsylvania County schools will be the contact for this internship. She will organize your school placements and connect you with Dr. Jerome as well as with the teachers who will have you implement the curriculum.
Duties
- Implement the Mindfulness Program (based on the Mind Up Curriculum) created by Dr. Jerome in a variety of classrooms in Spotsylvania county schools. Teachers will be present during this intervention to help you manage the classroom.
- Work with the teacher and school administration to schedule mindfulness sessions.
- Help with data collection to evaluate the curriculum as requested by the schools.
- You will have an initial training on curriculum with Dr. Jerome and meet with her to go over any issues with the curriculum during the semester. Please leave Fridays at noon open for these meetings.
- Additional supervision will be with the onsite school social worker at the school where you are placed.
Agency Requirements
- You must complete the required forms through Spotsylvania County schools including a TB test.
- You must have transportation to drive to the schools.
- Do not schedule a class or other regular commitments Fridays at noon so you can be trained and supervised on the curriculum by Dr. Jerome.
UMW Requirements
- Must meet all of the general requirements for UMW psychology internships.
- Required Courses:
- Psychology 211 – Psychopathology
- Psychology 231 – Infant and Child Psychology
- Psychology 362 – Research Methods
- Recommended Courses:
- CPRD 104 – Meditation and Contemplative Practices
Assessment
- 42 hours of work per credit hour (most interns do 3 credits with 126 hours of work)
- Grade is based on on-campus supervision, agency evaluation, reflective journal, and a final paper
Agency Contact
Coordinator of Social Work Services
Lisa D.H. Dolan, LCSW