2019 Interns
Hello, my name is Shanté Ryan and I am a graduate student from Morgan State University. I am a Social Work major and I am expected to graduate in 2020. I have a niche for working with children and I am anxious to gain experience with working with the youth and gain knowledge and network within the child welfare community, while I intern at MPPI.
TESTIMONIAL
Hello, my name is Shantè. R and I want to share how The Martin Pollak Project has been a great placement for me. The day I had my interview for the internship I felt welcomed. I met Ms. .Jai, Lydia, Mr. Norman, and Mr. Fraizer that day and they all made me feel comfortable. Previously I have worked in places that made me feel less than, because I didn’t have much experience. The team at Martin Pollak guided me through my learning experience always reminding me that I matter and the decisions I make with and for the company matter. The team at Martin Pollak made sure I received a hands on learning experience and I truly appreciate that. I hope when I start my career I can work at a place like this. The task of dealing with the child welfare field could be strenuous and challenging, but here at Martin Pollak they made my experience exciting, interesting, and memorable. No matter what journey I go through in my life, I’ll always remember the lessons and experience I had while at Martin Pollak.
Hello, my name is Shanté Ryan and I am a graduate student from Morgan State University. I am a Social Work major and I am expected to graduate in 2020. I have a niche for working with children and I am anxious to gain experience with working with the youth and gain knowledge and network within the child welfare community, while I intern at MPPI.
TESTIMONIAL
Hello, my name is Shantè. R and I want to share how The Martin Pollak Project has been a great placement for me. The day I had my interview for the internship I felt welcomed. I met Ms. .Jai, Lydia, Mr. Norman, and Mr. Fraizer that day and they all made me feel comfortable. Previously I have worked in places that made me feel less than, because I didn’t have much experience. The team at Martin Pollak guided me through my learning experience always reminding me that I matter and the decisions I make with and for the company matter. The team at Martin Pollak made sure I received a hands on learning experience and I truly appreciate that. I hope when I start my career I can work at a place like this. The task of dealing with the child welfare field could be strenuous and challenging, but here at Martin Pollak they made my experience exciting, interesting, and memorable. No matter what journey I go through in my life, I’ll always remember the lessons and experience I had while at Martin Pollak.
2018 Interns
My name is Donesha Barnett and I am a Master of Social Work candidate at Morgan State University. My area of specialized practice is Urban Children, Youth and Families. I also received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morgan State University. I have always had a passion for helping others. I chose social work because I would like to be an agent of change and make a difference in urban communities. I have a special interest in assisting to better the lives of disadvantaged children in my hometown of Baltimore, MD. I believe that one of the biggest differences between equality and equity is access to opportunity. All children deserve the opportunity to have a bright future and to reach their full potential.
My name is Donesha Barnett and I am a Master of Social Work candidate at Morgan State University. My area of specialized practice is Urban Children, Youth and Families. I also received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morgan State University. I have always had a passion for helping others. I chose social work because I would like to be an agent of change and make a difference in urban communities. I have a special interest in assisting to better the lives of disadvantaged children in my hometown of Baltimore, MD. I believe that one of the biggest differences between equality and equity is access to opportunity. All children deserve the opportunity to have a bright future and to reach their full potential.
2017 Interns
My name is Domonique Fryer and I am from Cleveland, OH. I earned my Bachelors of Social Work at Morgan State University in 2016. I am currently working towards receiving a Masters of Social Work with a specialization in Behavioral Health on a clinical/macro level at the University of MD, Baltimore. I am due to complete the program in December 2018.
My name is Domonique Fryer and I am from Cleveland, OH. I earned my Bachelors of Social Work at Morgan State University in 2016. I am currently working towards receiving a Masters of Social Work with a specialization in Behavioral Health on a clinical/macro level at the University of MD, Baltimore. I am due to complete the program in December 2018.
My name is Charde Johnson attending Morgan State University graduating in Spring 2018. I have a strong passion to help children and families with harsh realities and difficult lives. I plan to be a Social Worker and provide the most significant and life changing moments in people’s lives while holding up the professional standard of Social Work.
My name is Charde Johnson attending Morgan State University graduating in Spring 2018. I have a strong passion to help children and families with harsh realities and difficult lives. I plan to be a Social Worker and provide the most significant and life changing moments in people’s lives while holding up the professional standard of Social Work.
Ashley Jones is an intern from Morgan State University. She is currently a senior, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC. A Baltimore native, Ashley loves working with children and her future goals include obtaining her master’s degree in Social Work and becoming a committed advocate for her community.
Ashley Jones is an intern from Morgan State University. She is currently a senior, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC. A Baltimore native, Ashley loves working with children and her future goals include obtaining her master’s degree in Social Work and becoming a committed advocate for her community.
My name is Lisa Harty I am a recent BSW graduate from Coppin State University who is currently enrolled in the Master’s program at University of Maryland Baltimore school of Social work. I plan to graduate in May of 2019. After completing my degree I plan to work in child and family welfare to gain more experience before eventually venturing out on my own to open up a mentoring and tutoring program for African American males between the ages of 8-21.
My name is Lisa Harty I am a recent BSW graduate from Coppin State University who is currently enrolled in the Master’s program at University of Maryland Baltimore school of Social work. I plan to graduate in May of 2019. After completing my degree I plan to work in child and family welfare to gain more experience before eventually venturing out on my own to open up a mentoring and tutoring program for African American males between the ages of 8-21.
My name is Ting Fang and I am a rising junior at Johns Hopkins University where I am double majoring in International Studies and Economics and minoring in Entrepreneurship and Management. Besides academics at Hopkins, I am an active member of the Chinese Student Association, Student Government Association, and the Youth Library Tutorial. I haven’t made any plans for after graduation but I hope that I will find a job in the business world and know that my summer accounting experience will serve as a solid foundation for any occupation.
While Baltimore has been my home for the last two years, my family lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The two-hour drive from Baltimore to Philadelphia doesn’t seem like much but I rarely go back home because of my busy schedule. When I do go back home, I like to go swimming at my community pool, walk my dog, and just enjoy being with my family.
My name is Ting Fang and I am a rising junior at Johns Hopkins University where I am double majoring in International Studies and Economics and minoring in Entrepreneurship and Management. Besides academics at Hopkins, I am an active member of the Chinese Student Association, Student Government Association, and the Youth Library Tutorial. I haven’t made any plans for after graduation but I hope that I will find a job in the business world and know that my summer accounting experience will serve as a solid foundation for any occupation.
While Baltimore has been my home for the last two years, my family lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The two-hour drive from Baltimore to Philadelphia doesn’t seem like much but I rarely go back home because of my busy schedule. When I do go back home, I like to go swimming at my community pool, walk my dog, and just enjoy being with my family.
My name is Jasmine Chewning and I am a senior, Social Work major at Coppin State University. I will be finished with my coursework mid-July 2017; I’m excited for the road ahead. I’m 22 years old and a native of Baltimore, Maryland. I currently reside in Catonsville with my family. I have been a social work intern at The Martin Pollak Project since February 2017. My intern supervisor is Ms. Jai Roberts. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and an interest in mental health. I believe that people should not be defined by their diagnoses and that the trials of life are temporary and will prepare you for your future. I’ve always loved art and music and when I have free time I attend local spoken word events and open mics in Baltimore. I also spend extra time serving with the outreach ministry at my church, Word of God Church and Ministries, at local shelters, hospitals, and non-profits. My vision of life is infinite and I believe that we should always uplift those we are surrounded by and come in contact with. Why not be a blessing to someone who felt like there was no end to their troubles? Our community needs compassionate people who are ready to serve. To know that I could make a difference in someone else’s life on a daily basis would be all the reward I would need. A phrase that will forever resonate with me that came from one of my favorite professors at Coppin is, “You don’t save your client. You serve your client. They save themselves.” – Professor. Long-Coleman
My name is Jasmine Chewning and I am a senior, Social Work major at Coppin State University. I will be finished with my coursework mid-July 2017; I’m excited for the road ahead. I’m 22 years old and a native of Baltimore, Maryland. I currently reside in Catonsville with my family. I have been a social work intern at The Martin Pollak Project since February 2017. My intern supervisor is Ms. Jai Roberts. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and an interest in mental health. I believe that people should not be defined by their diagnoses and that the trials of life are temporary and will prepare you for your future. I’ve always loved art and music and when I have free time I attend local spoken word events and open mics in Baltimore. I also spend extra time serving with the outreach ministry at my church, Word of God Church and Ministries, at local shelters, hospitals, and non-profits. My vision of life is infinite and I believe that we should always uplift those we are surrounded by and come in contact with. Why not be a blessing to someone who felt like there was no end to their troubles? Our community needs compassionate people who are ready to serve. To know that I could make a difference in someone else’s life on a daily basis would be all the reward I would need. A phrase that will forever resonate with me that came from one of my favorite professors at Coppin is, “You don’t save your client. You serve your client. They save themselves.” – Professor. Long-Coleman
Alex Mejia is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, where he is double-majoring in International Studies and Economics. Alex emigrated from Peru to the United States at the age of seven, and participated in ESOL classes for two years. Since this time, he has mentored and tutored other Latino immigrants, and currently serves as a mentor for underrepresented minority students at JHU. He actively follows politics and international events and hopes to attend law school after completing his undergraduate education.
Alex Mejia is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, where he is double-majoring in International Studies and Economics. Alex emigrated from Peru to the United States at the age of seven, and participated in ESOL classes for two years. Since this time, he has mentored and tutored other Latino immigrants, and currently serves as a mentor for underrepresented minority students at JHU. He actively follows politics and international events and hopes to attend law school after completing his undergraduate education.
I received my Bachelors’ degree in nursing from the University of Maryland, School of Nursing (UMSON). The majority of my nursing experience comes from a medical surgical unit; I also have experience working in a private mental health practice. I am a candidate for receiving my doctorate as a mental health nurse practitioner from UMSON, May of 2018. I love working with children and believe that nurturing children to see the good within them and providing a stable environment is a crucial part of development. As an intern at MPPI, I am developing a better understanding of the unique challenges children and families face and how to best support their mental health.
I received my Bachelors’ degree in nursing from the University of Maryland, School of Nursing (UMSON). The majority of my nursing experience comes from a medical surgical unit; I also have experience working in a private mental health practice. I am a candidate for receiving my doctorate as a mental health nurse practitioner from UMSON, May of 2018. I love working with children and believe that nurturing children to see the good within them and providing a stable environment is a crucial part of development. As an intern at MPPI, I am developing a better understanding of the unique challenges children and families face and how to best support their mental health.
2016 Interns
Morgan State University
Studying Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Morgan State University
Studying Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Morgan State University
Studying Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Morgan State University
Studying Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Morgan State University
Studying Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Morgan State University
Studying Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Morgan State University
Studying Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Minor in Psychology
Morgan State University
Studying Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Minor in Psychology
University of Maryland at Baltimore
Studying Master of Science in Social Work
University of Maryland at Baltimore
Studying Master of Science in Social Work
place holder
Testimonials
My name is Morgan Leak I am originally from Baltimore Maryland. I became a part of the Martin Pollak family in 2015 as an intern student social worker. I am now a graduate from a Masters of Social Work program and I now work with the agency as an associate social worker. Martin Pollak has provided me an excellent experience in the world of child welfare and it is such a joy to work with a group of individuals who share the same interest of advocacy for children and young adults such as myself.
My name is Morgan Leak I am originally from Baltimore Maryland. I became a part of the Martin Pollak family in 2015 as an intern student social worker. I am now a graduate from a Masters of Social Work program and I now work with the agency as an associate social worker. Martin Pollak has provided me an excellent experience in the world of child welfare and it is such a joy to work with a group of individuals who share the same interest of advocacy for children and young adults such as myself.
Willie Drayton is currently a Masters of Social Work candidate attending Morgan State University. Willie has served as an intern with the Martin Pollak Project Inc. since August 2015. During his first year, he interned with a MPPI Treatment Foster Care case manager in the TFC program. His second year of internship was conducted at MPPI’s Young Adult Initiative independent living program. Mr. Drayton is now employed with YAI and serves as an Independent Living Associate and plans to expand his opportunities with YAI upon his graduation in May 2018.
Willie Drayton is currently a Masters of Social Work candidate attending Morgan State University. Willie has served as an intern with the Martin Pollak Project Inc. since August 2015. During his first year, he interned with a MPPI Treatment Foster Care case manager in the TFC program. His second year of internship was conducted at MPPI’s Young Adult Initiative independent living program. Mr. Drayton is now employed with YAI and serves as an Independent Living Associate and plans to expand his opportunities with YAI upon his graduation in May 2018.