(Posted 2023 September)
Volunteer & Partner Services is pleased to welcome three new interns to the program for the 2023-2024 school year. Get to know each of these interns, their goals and aspirations for the year and the future.
Meet Liliana Guevara Sorto
Liliana is a student at George Mason University, working on her final specialization year of the accelerated Master of Social Work program. She plans to graduate in spring 2024. Liliana comes from a large family, that emigrated from El Salvador. She was born and raised in Virginia with three older brothers, and two older sisters. Liliana is very family focused and she enjoys spending quality time with her family in the outdoors or at the beach.
The Volunteer Post Newsletter: Tell me about your background and/or professional history.
Liliana Guevara Sorto: I recently finished my undergraduate degree in social work at George Mason University where I worked at two internships that provided different experiences with diverse populations. My first internship was at a senior living center where I facilitated activities for the residents. My second Internship was at a homeless shelter, providing clients with case management, helping them overcome barriers, become self-sufficient, etc.
TVPN: What led you to pursue a career in child welfare?
I am motivated to help children and families in need that have not been fortunate enough to have financial stability. I want to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and help them find the appropriate resources to overcome barriers. I believe families are entitled to have equal opportunities despite their socioeconomic status which is why I am passionate about helping children and families.
TVPN: What are your goals for the future?
LGS: I look forward to gaining the experience to make me competent in the social work field. My future goal is to be able to pursue a career in child welfare and gain knowledge and experience on different approaches to help individuals of different backgrounds. Also, I am interested in obtaining my LCSW.
TVPN: What is most rewarding to you about your work and what do you think will be the biggest challenge?
LGS: The most rewarding work for me is the satisfaction of helping others become self-sufficient. I believe the most challenging part will be balancing my work and school life.
Meet Tom Smith
Tom grew up in the DMV area and has lived here his entire life. He finished an associate degree at Northern Virginia Community College in 2021 and was accepted into the Bachelor of Social Work program with George Mason University in 2022. Tom is on track to receive his bachelor’s in May 2024.
TVPN: What led you to pursue a career in child welfare?
Tom Smith: Growing up my brother and I had to deal with the consequences of a close relative’s mental illness. This experience led me to want to be in the position to help both children and families overcome difficulties and get community support. I’m looking forward to working directly with clients, both children and parents.
TVPN: What is most rewarding to you about your work?
TS: The most rewarding thing for me would be if I could help a parent or child stay positive and remember that there is always hope even when life can be very hard.
TVPN: What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
TS: I expect to encounter a lot of resistance and possibly anger from parents and kids who may feel judged or let down by the system and that no one cares.
TVPN: What are your goals for the future?
TS: I plan on pursuing a Master of Social Work degree with George Mason upon graduation. I’m excited to work in the child welfare field because I believe that these agencies deal with a wide range of societal problems and gaining this experience will both help the community and make me a more well-balanced and empathic worker. Eventually I would like to become a licensed therapist specializing in family therapy.
TVPN: What are your personal hobbies- how do you relax away from work?
TS: I enjoy improv acting groups, reading history, science fiction, and fantasy, and PC gaming.
TVPN: Tell us about your family.
TS: My parents are both retired. I have a brother in Ohio who is married with a six-year-old daughter named Virginia.
Meet Morgan Stohler
Morgan is a social work student at George Mason University. She anticipates graduating with her bachelor’s degree in May 2024. Morgan is pursuing a career in child welfare to work with children and families with the goal of eventually attending graduate school.
TVPN: Tell me about your background and/or professional history.
Morgan Stohler: I love animals and I’ve spent time working as a pet sitter and dog walker while attending university. I’m looking forward to starting this internship so I can gain experience facilitating groups and make a positive impact in people’s lives.
TVPN: What is most rewarding to you about your work?
MS: Work is most rewarding when I’m able to make a positive impact in an area that I’m passionate about.
TVPN: What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
MS: I think the adjustment to a new role in my internship will be the most challenging part, but I’m excited to try new things.
TVPN: Tell us a little more about yourself.
MS: I like to read and spend time outdoors in my spare time. I come from a small family, and many of my relatives live out of state.
This is an exciting time to join Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Learn more about our job opportunities.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).